S. Sudanese journalist flees country after security threats

June 6, 2015 (KAMPALA) – A South Sudanese journalist working for The Nile and Voice of America (VOA )has been forced to flee the country, after publishing a story on scandals within the United Methodist Church in Central Equatoria’s Yei River county.

Ochan Hannington who spoke to Sudan Tribune from an undisclosed location said he fled his home town last month, after receiving direct threats from goverent officials.

The journalist also accused an American Reverend, Fred Dearing for demanding that the article on the scandal be removed from The Niles, an online publication.

Ocan claims he got direct threats from security personnel after he turned down several requests from the cleric who wanted the alleged scandalous article pulled down.

“So when they hunted for me recently the failed to get me after l was tipped that they wanted to kill me for not removing the article online, they started arresting everyone whom they thought knew where l am. They confiscated all my properties,” said Ochan.

He said he does not know why security personal were hunting for him, stressing that he believes it was everyone’s role to report on scandalous issues minus being threatend.

“The American Reverend who is accused in the corruption scandal gave them bribes to take me down. They have repeatedly told me to take the article down or else I die,” claimed the scribe.

Ochan said his work had also been complicated by some officials after he fled the country.

“I called someone in Jubavwithin the security to try to get my equipments and property released [but] they told me I was linked to Riek Machar and write for the rebels,” he said.

This, according to Ochan, is not the first time he has had trouble with security operatives.

South Sudan is among the countries in the world oppresive of media freedom. This year, the government spokesperson, Michael Makuei vowed to try in court anyone who reports on the ongoing war in the country.

(ST)