South Sudanese journalist free after more than five weeks in detention

Michael Christopher. Photo: hrw.org

Juba, August 26, 2019 (SSNA) — A South Sudanese journalist Michael Christopher has been freed after spending nearly six weeks in detention at the national security service headquarters.

Michael, who is the editor-in-chief of the Arabic-language al-Watan newspaper said he was held for 39 days without any charge and that the authorities released him because he did not break any law.

The editor reveals that the national security agents constantly questioned him in jail about an interview he had made to the Voice of America regarding the closure of his newspaper. He also added that national security agents were not happy because he publicly said he was receiving death threats.

Michael was arrested at Juba airport in July while trying to fly to Kenya for medical treatment. South Sudan has a history of harassing, detaining, torturing, and killing journalists.

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