Journalists arrested for exposing South Sudan president’s embarrassing incident caught on camera

Six staffers from the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation have been detained by the National Security Service in connection with a video that appears to show President Salva Kiir urinating on himself during an event. The video, which was widely shared online after airing in December, showed the 71-year-old president standing during the national anthem before looking down at what appeared to be a stain on his clothing.

South Sudan President peed on his body while commissioning a road. This is what you get when you choose unhealthy criminals over healthy and competent leaders. There’s a 90% chance of this happening to Tinubu if we don’t make the right choices. So Embarrassing!

Vote Peter Obi 📌 pic.twitter.com/hzg5qlVAy6

— Chlorpheniramine #OBIdients 🇳🇬 (@VictorIsrael_) December 14, 2022

The Union of Journalists of South Sudan has called for a swift resolution to the investigation and for the release of the staffers, who are suspected of having knowledge of the public release of the footage. Officials from the president’s office and the national broadcaster have declined to comment on the matter.

#SouthSudan Today @UJOSS1 calls for speedy conclusion to investigation of detained SSBC staff. The journalists body calls for due process in the circumstances in the event that there is a prima facie case. pic.twitter.com/GxQDwXlQbv

— South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network (@sshrdNetwork) January 6, 2023

This incident has sparked outrage and concern among journalists and citizens in South Sudan. Many believe that the detention of the staffers is an attempt by the government to suppress freedom of the press and silence those who speak out against the government. The International Federation of Journalists has also expressed concern over the detainment and called for the immediate release of the journalists. It is important for the government to respect the rights of journalists and allow for freedom of the press in order to ensure transparency and accountability in governance. The situation should be closely monitored to ensure that justice is served and that the rights of these journalists are protected.