November 4th 2019 (Nyamilepedia) – The governor of Gogrial state has reportedly ordered the arrest of state youth leaders, activists and intellectuals in what many termed as silencing of dissent.
South Sudan’s National Security Service (NSS) reportedly arrested dozens of youth leaders, activists and intellectuals from Gogrial at Freedom Hall in Juba on Saturday.
Augustino Agany Achuil, the Secretary-General of Gogrial state Youth Union, said Gogrial State governor Victor Atem organized an honoring ceremony which he said was a trap to arrest the leaders of Gogrial State Youth Unions, Community Youth leadership and Spokesperson of Gogrial State Intellectuals’ Organization.
Agany further added that the reason behind the “illegal” arrest remain unknown.
“We were just told to get out of the car and the others arrested today at Freedom Hall and until now I don’t know why they were arrested,” an eye witness said.
All efforts to reach the Gogrial State Minister of Information were unsuccessful.
Those arrested includes Dr. Tur Bol, the chairperson of Gogrial State Youth Union-Kuajok, Mrs Nella Achuek Mabior, chairperson of Gogrial State Youth Union in Juba, Mr. Majok Wol Chairperson of Aguek-Kuei Youth Union, Mr. Anei Arop Anei, Chairperson of Apuk Youth Union and most members GOSIO.
“These arrest is undermining the right of freedom of expression in the country,” Gogrial State Intellectual’s Organization Chairperson said.
