A popular South Sudanese comedian has been released from detention but barred from using social media, after being arrested over comments about President Salva Kiir.
Amath Jok, 33, was detained for four days by the National Security Service (NSS) following a live TikTok broadcast.
Her arrest has sparked a debate about free speech in the country, with rights groups accusing authorities of using security laws to silence dissent.
Authorities have not publicly commented on the case.
Ms Jok was arrested on Tuesday in the Thongpiny neighbourhood of the capital, Juba, while returning home from a salon.
Her detention came after a TikTok livestream on 10 November, in which she defended former Vice-President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, who was dismissed by President Kiir on Wednesday.
During the broadcast, which was conducted in the Dinka language, Ms Jok made derogatory remarks about the president. A video clip, in which she refers to him as “a big thief wearing a hat,” circulated widely online.
A relative, who spoke to Radio Tamazuj on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Ms Jok was released on Friday evening and was “healthy” after her time in custody.
However, they added that her freedom came with significant conditions.
“She is free now, but she is under a form of house arrest,” the relative said. “There are no soldiers surrounding the home, but she has been released on one condition — she is banned from going online on social media for the time being. We don’t know when she will be allowed to return.”
Legal Context
The country’s transitional constitution guarantees freedom of expression. However, the Penal Code Act of 2008 criminalises defamation and “undermining the authority of the president.”
Section 76 of the act makes it an offence to insult the head of state, with penalties including fines or imprisonment.
International human rights organisations have frequently criticised South Sudan’s government for using such laws to target journalists, activists, and online commentators who criticise the authorities.
Amnesty International and other groups have documented cases of harassment, intimidation, and detention for those expressing dissenting views.
Ms Jok’s arrest has reignited concerns about a shrinking space for free expression and political commentary in the world’s youngest nation.