Lakes: SPLM official, three others arrested in Cueibet county
August 29, 2013 (RUMBEK) – Security forces in South Sudan’s Lakes state arbitrarily arrested three teachers and a senior inspector in Cueibet county, authorities said.
Those arrested, officials told Sudan Tribune, were detained at a military cell located on the western part of the county.
“We were arrested on 24 and 25 August until top authority leaders in Juba intervened and contacted state authorities to secure our release,” said a victim, who was arrested after he visited the detainees.
“We were arrested in Barhgel under [the] command of Lt-Col Abil Chol,” he added.
Soldiers, according to the victim, reportedly arrested the SPLM finance secretary after a dispute arose among the top party officials over workers’ payments.
The detainees were reported beaten, abused and humiliated. They were reportedly denied drinking water and also ordered to pay 440 SSP as charges for chains and prison entry.
Efforts to reach Mayom Malek, the Cueibet county commissioner were unsuccessful.
The detainees were reportedly warned against leaking information on the arrests to the media fraternity.
“We were threatened not to expose this harassment to media by the county authorities. The local media in the state really fear to cover our harassment,” said another detainee, who preferred anonymity.
Meanwhile the detainees included, James Malong Kok, Gabriel Akot Chirong, Moses Magai Marial, John Han Mayuom Gabriel Mabak Joseph Chikoc Majur and Daniel Chol Nok.
(ST)