Jonglei police make arrests for “unfit dressing”
By Philip Thon Aleu
January 20, 2009 (BOR) – Police forces in Jonglei’s state capital
carried out surprise arrests of young men and women on Sunday because
they dressed “provocatively in a manner that exposes to risk of rape.”
The detainees were held briefly at police headquarters and released
after serious warnings.
Girls in skirts above their knees, extra-short sleeve blouses or tight
dresses were arrested. Angry men watching police assembling girls to
be driven to “warning centers” told Sudan Tribune that “we are not
happy with this unconstitutional operation.” The youth spoke on
condition of anonymity to avoid harassment.
Young men in T-shirts showing western musicians or what the police
operatives call “nigger” clothes were also detained in an action the
youth described as “unconstitutional.” However, not all youth
criticized the arrests: some believe that such dressing would destroy
cultures unless the government intervenes to halt the practice.
Southerners in various towns have criticized some cultural practices
adopted by young people, often refugees returning from abroad,
derogatorily labeled as “negros” or “niggers.”
Similar arrest operations were carried out in South Sudan’s capital
last October, though the round-up cost the Juba commissioner his
position on the grounds that he had acted unconstitutionally and
embarrassed women. This is not the first time that girls are
humiliated in public places in Bor Town. In January 2008, girls were
arrested and their heads shaved for dressing like married women, but
the government distanced itself from the move when summoned by the Bor
Youth and Students Association, saying that security personnel would
be asked to stop arresting ladies.
Police officers making the arrests Sunday were quick to explain the
move, given high resistance from annoyed young men, mostly university
students.
“If we allow such unfit dressing in public, then we are encouraging
related crimes like rapes. This is very provocative in a manner that
exposes risks of rape,” explained one police officer to youths at Bor
Freedom Square. The officer was dressed in plain clothes and refused
to disclose his identity.
However, senior police officers contacted by Sudan Tribune denied any
knowledge of arrests.
Reporters who attempted to take photos were beaten up and forced into
a police car to face a warning against “illegal” snapping of photos.
Correspondents from Gurtong Peace Trust and Southern EYE were among
the reporters beaten by police.
The tension in Bor coincided with traditional dances on Sunday evening
where youth gather for leisure.
(ST)
Lokang
Jonglei police make arrests for “unfit dressing”
What I know so far in Jonglei is that, every one in power is acting unconstitutionally.if you happen to investigate an incident under a command of a department,(a police department for example) you will find contraversial answers and that shows people are really practicing jungle laws. all former rebel soldiers must be trained so as to reform from Anyanya to Government.
Malual Jongbai
Jonglei police make arrests for “unfit dressing”
“Unfit Dress”
It is the right of the police to order arrest if there is unacceptible social behaviour practice according to constitution, however, the police can make arrest if on the point of law where there is need for a law or precedent to be established. There are alot of speculation of the world “Nigga” or Negro” which is very unhealthy for us to keep practicing to say it as it would remain like Jim Laws in US. I exalt authorities for maitaining their orders however, I’m exasperate that such manner would exposes to risk of rape? Or prestitution Which is technically a criminal offense and that should be deal in another point of law.
Furthermore, There should be etiquette to control behaviour to what type of clothes you need to wear and what are the dangers you might face. In Western World, people do wear what you like however, it is not appropriate to be seen naked or show private part of the body in public places many point of view. Many South Sudan youth in Western World would face enormous jail term if the government don’t enact legislation as Culture changes can’t be control if you know the definition, you won’t disputed with me. I agree the fact that this ” unfit dress ” would encourage rape however, some are very innocent to wear it in such manner as they copy and traditional dress makers should be encourage to produces more.
Finally, Our society is facing alot of things and if we don’t educate one another or legislate, things will remain unchanged and dispute will rise. Dress for youth may not be definate, however simple casual wear may please our parents, publics and nation view. On the other hand, girls are the venerable or the weakess link and if “Don’t Sit” is off the street which mean to them to be a pleasure fashion of attractiveness and desire by men,some will sit home however, it is good for students who finds it distractive and avoid schools and choose to marry should not be tolerate. Thanks to Jonglei Police and the State Government for their bravery and such arrest should be carried out with consent by giving a notice of 24hrs to change his cloth or other seen again would face jail or arrest. Last but not least,It is great pleasure that Jonglei States is regarded to be religious state in the South and I appretiate once more.
By PM Malual
Mr Famous Big_Logic_Boy
Jonglei police make arrests for “unfit dressing”
Logic is back from long way down the region
See those arrogance if so why did you remove Juba commissioner last time. This is absolutely crazy to see that the right man had made a good decision but been removed from position and now your turning onto that route. How mad is this to yourselves. SHAME ON YOU JUNGLESE
Tariel
Jonglei police make arrests for “unfit dressing”
Shame,shame to all those who pretends to read Human rights and constitutional laws and bark back to the public about their preservation and protection yet with their limite education standard and the so called SPLA bush leadership experience,they are blindly misleading society and changing modern constitutions into their old school ideas characterised by islamic barbaric laws.To those who support local police,I held from Bor,so do not accuse me of tribalism!
Here in this world,one can not run after industrilisation,urburnisation,modernisation and civilisation and again arrest people for just dressing.For the case of shirts bearing the pictures of western muscians,they are wear for purpose of earning income espcially in music fields.
Our government has the right to amend the constitution,otherwise New generation will struggle to defend it by all means.SPLA fought for this constitution to replace Sharia laws which calls for arrest of one enjoying himself with alcohol and fashion clothes.
let us pray that our leaders are not bribe by Arabs to violate the constitution which has killed our Heros,like Dr.John Garang and thousands of southern Sudan sons and daughters in its making.
Mr.Governor,you makes people cry loudly for Dr.John`s death.
Scarface
Jonglei police make arrests for “unfit dressing”
We are resolved to protect individual freedom of belief. This freedom must include the child as well as the parent. The freedom for which we stand is not freedom of belief as we please,… not freedom to evade responsibility, …but freedom to be honest in speech and action, freedom to respect one’s own integrity of thought and feeling, freedom to question, to investigate, to try, to understand life and the universe in which life abounds, freedom to search anywhere and everywhere to find the meaning of Being, freedom to experiment with new ways of living that seem better than the old.There is a way we should educated ourselves to be civilized people not to prevent one freedom.
tayeb M. Alhassan
Jonglei police make arrests for “unfit dressing”
Dear Southerners
I would to disclose when Southerners intellectuals come to North they always impressive and admirable for keeness about personal appearance and respectfule for keeping the gentleman appropriate shape avoiding rude ridiculous customs. For those who wear traditionally, as in shiluk Lawou, we we seek for the excuse because it is a traditional dress which have be to preserve.
The Sudanese society as general and Southerners in particular known as conservatives in the matter of dress, so, what happened for the young generation of today shamelessly walks showing half-ass, bare opened breast or wear a shirt with plaster poster of a pornography girl in the marketplace. I think the aggravated were merely hooligans accountable for their misconduct and authorities have to do their job.
I hope most of you, if not all, will agree with me for I can’ stand seeing my son, daughter or sister publicly mocked or teased