US-radio reporter arrested in South Sudan
May 25, 2011 (DUBAI) – A Sudanese radio journalist was arrested by local authorities in South Sudan two weeks ago and his whereabouts remains unknown, his news organization has revealed.
According to SRS, Arkou was sent to Wau on on official assignment to gather news and programs and has been incommunicado since his arrest.
“SRS attempts to reach Arkou on his mobile phone since 11 May have not been successful and no reasons have been given for his continued detention,” the radio said.
SRS said it dispatched a delegation to Wau on Thursday, 12 May, to meet with Western Bahr El Ghazal authorities in order to secure Arkou’s release but the attempt has failed.
Experts say that the absence of media laws in South Sudan, which is set to become the world’s newest nation after its citizens voted to split from the homeland country in a referendum held in January, has facilitated the harassment of many journalists.
“In the absence of well defined media laws we were like footballers playing the game without clear rules” Jacob J. Akol, chairman of the Association for Media Development in South Sudan, said in a statement issued on March 2010 against the harassment of Southern Sudanese journalists.
Also in March 2010, it was reported that South Sudan’s security personnel threatened radio staff of the Catholic Radio Bakheita and Liberty Radio FM and briefly arrested top officials of these media entities.
(ST)
Cibaipiath Junub Sudan
US-radio reporter arrested in South Sudan
Although there are media laws, they should be in conformity with the constitutions and other laws. The journalist might have entered without knowledge of the State Security and State Authority. Where on earth should you send a team of football players without authorization, approval or coordination with host countries or towns? That is all rubbish. I believe SRS are wrong in this case. Do not confused the situation with this article. US have not sent a person of such names as their Journalist. Do not lie. Your own problems with US is your own problems. Your tricks are known and your spying agents are also known.
This article is useless.
Garang
US-radio reporter arrested in South Sudan
Cibaipath
The writer wants to say that the arrested journalist belongs to USAID funded Radio. Yes the SRS is funded by that agency.But the question is why are the people in South Sudan are silent about the case and somebody in Dubai is writting?
Paul Ongee
US-radio reporter arrested in South Sudan
Cibaipiath & Garang,
You got it right. These Arabs think that they can just infiltrate any institution in the South with impunity. Southern Sudan has been and will remain alert. Period.
Paul Ongee
Khartoum Watch
Nhomlawda
US-radio reporter arrested in South Sudan
There is no connection between journalist arrest and the funding of the radio. So please correct that wrong title. Ali looks like an Arab and he must be aware even in Khartoum you cannot just go to the airport and begin taking photos without authorization.
We need to follow rules and make security personnel and authorities do their work.
They should release him since he is identified as a journalist but not a citizen with bad intention.
Yanga
US-radio reporter arrested in South Sudan
Two things that I firmly believe.
One: It is the duty of a government to serve those whom it governs and it is the duty of the governed to scrutinise the actions of those who govern them. To that end, a free and unfettered media is essential in ensuring both obligations.
Two: The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. These are delicate times and a government would be remiss in its obligations to it’s people if it did not make efforts to prevent espionage and subversive activities.
What was this man photographing I wonder? What did the security services find unacceptable with the Catholic Radio stations output?
Does anyone know any details?
I would also love to know the views of commentators on the trade off between media freedom and internal security and stability in the context of the current situation in Southern Sudan.
mohammed ali
US-radio reporter arrested in South Sudan
Paul,
Mr. hate-monger , so what if he is Arab? Do you mean if we catch you in Khartoum , that means we can catch you so that nobody knowes your where about!There are thousands and southands of southerners includiong yourself, living in Khartoum in peace, something which they lack in their country; do you mean to spread your hatred so that people here will react hatfully as you are doing to the Arabs in the south?
Go and die alone with your hatred, you are disgusting!
NgorKur Mayol Chier
US-radio reporter arrested in South Sudan
Dear all,
If the guy was a journalist to be reporting the bad prospect situation in Wau, why didn’t him went to Darfur and report the terrifying things of which the whole world is well aware of being known for many years of conflicts? I think; this journalist was one of the undercover people who work hard on behalf of the north Sudan as well. In the one hand, I appreciate the authority in Wau state for the smart way their security personals have taken to figure the hidden tactic that made by the government of Khartoum before it take into effect.
Thanks.
dut gum
US-radio reporter arrested in South Sudan
Ali,how much you are stupidly called,With your hatred in the north, southerner die every where in khARTOUM,it was the other day reported that some refugee who were trying their ways coming were killed in khartoum but we are not responding.Ali,these time you will agree to sign again other document for peace in sudan.I dont care for your greedy president Bashir who is fighting over oil in Abyei South sudan.
Lets see who is the orginal Sudanese in sudan