UJOSS President receives press cards confiscated from his team by security

President of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), Patrick Oyet Charles [Photo: Courtesy]

By Awan Achiek

The National Security Service officials on Tuesday handed over press cards that they had confiscated from the President of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), Patrick Oyet Charles and his cameraman Samuel Abud on Monday.

On January 15th 2024, the security agents confiscated valid press cards accredited to Oyet a correspondent for China Global Television Network (CGTN)- Africa and his cameraman, Abud Samuel while they were filming a piece to camera (PTC) along Air Port road.

 PTC is a routine practice done by professional television journalists around the world.

Majak Daniel Kuany Alier, UJOSS Secretary General said that are still shocked at the behavior of the security agents despite having recovered the press cards.

He said they held a meeting with the head of the Directorate for Political Affairs Division in the National Security Services who apologized for the unfortunate incident.

“Although the incident was unpleasant and uncalled for, we were pleased with how the director apologized and expressed regret for the ignorance of his subordinates,” Kuany said in a statement seen by The Dawn in Juba.

He described the incident as a violation of media freedom as stipulated in the media laws and the transitional constitution of South Sudan 2011 as amended.

“As the country is anticipating the first-ever general election, it is important for the relevant security sector to comprehend the work of journalists and media,” he said.

Kuany urged the security personnel who might have any grievances against journalists or media workers to follow or adhere to Media Authority Act, 2013.

“To foster a pluralistic, independent, and vibrant media in South Sudan, we urge the Media Authority to take the lead and educate government security agencies on their role,” he said.