South Sudan journalist shot dead after president Kiir threatened killing journalists

August 20, 2015 (JUBA) – Moi Peter Julius, a young South Sudanese journalist was shot dead on Wednesday, few days after president Salva Kiir publicly threatened to kill journalists perceived to be working against his government and the country.

President Kiir was quoted as saying that if journalists did not know that people died in the struggle to gain independence of South Sudan, it was time to show it to them, a comment interpreted to mean killing journalists.

The circumstances under which Julius was killed remains unclear, with multiple sources providing conflicting accounts about how the incident occurred.

Sources and witnesses said he was returning home from his work place when unidentified gunmen opened fire, shooting him dead at his home in Jebel Kunjur Wednesday night. His body was found lying on the ground on Thursday morning.

The exact hours at which the shooting took place remains are unclear. Authorities have not issued a statement commenting on what transpired. The motive of the killing is hence unclear. No one has been arrested so far. Police officials have not provided any comment.

Julius had worked for multiple news agencies, including the Citizen English daily newspaper before joining the New Nation newspaper.

Ngor Garang, a South Sudanese journalist regretted the incident and described Julius as a “cool-headed young man who was polite and humble.”

“We mourn the death of comrade Moi Peter, and extend our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues,” said Garang who is the former editor in chief of the government’s suspended Destiny newspaper.

“Authorities must pursue all that leads in tracking his killer, and bring those responsible to justice,” he added, saying the murdered journalist was simple but engaging journalist.

More than 7 journalists including a political commentator, Isaiah Abraham have been killed in South Sudan after independence in July 2011.

(ST)