Arrested South Sudanese veteran journalist released on bail

August 1, 2016 (JUBA) – Alfred Taban, a prominent journalist and chief editor of the daily English newspaper, Juba Monitor, has been released on bail but still faces charges.

Taban was arrested two weeks ago and detained by security personnel but was transferred from the National Security Service (NSS) headquarters on 22 July to police custody in Juba town.

He has been charged with ‘publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to South Sudan’ and ‘undermining the authority of or insulting president Salva Kiir.

The veteran journalist prior to his arrest wrote an article which called for resignation of both President Kiir and his former first deputy, Riek Machar, for returning the country to war on 8 July.

He was released on bail in response to his request so that he could receive medical treatment for a previously existing health condition.

It is not clear whether or not he will be dragged to court to answer for the charges against the president.

(ST)