S. Sudan security arrests three over alleged rebel links
AUGUST 25, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudanese national security agents have arrested three people in Western Bahr el Ghazal state for alleged involvement in rebel activities.
George Livio Bhara, the son of state advisor on economic affairs Livio Bhara, along with Martin Agustino Dawut and his father, Justin Wanawila, were arrested on Sunday.
A security source told Sudan Tribune that the trio were monitored over a period of time, with reports indicating they maintained links with rebels loyal to former vice-president Riek Machar.
“The three men were on Sunday taken to Juba for further investigation,” the source noted.
However, Bhara denied his son’s alleged links with rebels, demanding his immediate release.
“My son is quiet and innocent, he was on leave from his work for almost a month of which he is due to resume his work next month on the 6 September, he has nothing to do with security issues,” Bhara told Sudan Tribune by phone from the state capital, Wau.
He said his son was arrested by security personnel after he returned from a family assignment in town.
“Am a member in the current government serving as state government advisor for economic affairs. How can my own son have links with rebels without my knowledge? This is not true,” he said.
The incident comes a week after security agents arrested and briefly detained four Bakhita FM radio staff members in Juba after it broadcast reports on clashes between rebels and government forces in Unity state.
(ST)