Father of detained S. Sudanese journalist speaks out

October 21, 2014 (JUBA) – Livio Buhara, the father of a detained South Sudanese journalist, broke his silence on Tuesday and demanded that his son, George Livio, be released by security service operatives.

Livio, who worked for the United Nations as a radio operator, was arrested on 22 August by the country’s national security service (NSS).

“As per South Sudan national constitution, somebody must be taken to court first to determine his or her crime committed than detaining him or her without law to prove. Therefore, my son would have known what category of offense he has committed,” said Buhara.

“South Sudan’s constitution said somebody should not stay in jail for more than 24 hours without charge, now what is this?” he added.

In an interview with Sudan Tribune, Buhara called for the fair and transparent trial of his son over his alleged role in subversive activities.

“Everybody is subjected to law depending to appropriate procedures than detaining my son for two months without allowing him to face court,” he said, demanding that his son’s crime be disclosed so that an advocate is prepared to handle the court case.

“The whole family is worried about the life of George because since he was arrested, they have lost contact with him,” he added.

He called on rights groups in the country to intervene in the matter.

Livio was arrested with five others in Western Bahr el Ghazal state and relocated to Juba by NSS operatives over allegations he’d had direct contact with rebel forces.

(ST)