South Sudanese editor-in-chief released on bail

01/08/2016 19:39 JUBA

Alfred Taban, editor-in-chief of the independent English-language daily Juba Monitor, has been released on bail.
He was released so he could receive medical treatment for a previously existing condition, Radio Tamazuj reported today.
Taban was detained in the South Sudanese capital on 16 July by National Security agents, a day after the publication of an editorial article in which he called for the removal of President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar, criticising them for their unsuccessful implementation of the August 2015 peace agreement.
“The release of Alfred Taban through bail out from the police custody demonstrates the state authority being responsive to the public calls for Alfred Taban,” said Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation. “This is good responsible action.”
Taban still faces charges of “publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to Southern Sudan” and “undermining the authority of or insulting the president”.

Alfred Taban, editor-in-chief of the independent English-language daily Juba Monitor, has been released on bail.

He was released so he could receive medical treatment for a previously existing condition, Radio Tamazuj reported today.

Taban was detained in the South Sudanese capital on 16 July by National Security agents, a day after the publication of an editorial article in which he called for the removal of President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar, criticising them for their unsuccessful implementation of the August 2015 peace agreement.

“The release of Alfred Taban through bail out from the police custody demonstrates the state authority being responsive to the public calls for Alfred Taban,” said Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation. “This is good responsible action.”

Taban still faces charges of “publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to Southern Sudan” and “undermining the authority of or insulting the president”.