Journalist Pathomi still held in Juba, three months after arrest

[Elisabeth Janaina]

Journalist Pathomi still held in Juba, three months after arrest
File photo: Pathomi Ayul
File photo: Pathomi Ayul

A rights group calls for the immediate release of Pathomi Ayul, a
South Sudanese journalist who spent more than three months in
detention since his arrest in Juba in May. He is still being held by
national security officials without charges.

Civilians for Peace and Justice (CPJ), a human rights entity in South
Sudan, said in a statement today that journalist Pathomi Ayul should
either be charged with a recognised offence and presented before a
competent court or immediately released.

CPJ’s head Modo Philip said Ayul’s family members have not been able
to see him or know anything about his health conditions in detention.

He called on international human rights organizations and journalists’
union in the country to advocate for Pathomi’s release.

According to Civilians for Peace and Justice, Pathomi who was working
for Al-Masar Arabic newspaper in Juba, was arrested by national
security officials on May 20.