The family of a South Sudanese comedian alleges she suffered a miscarriage due to torture while detained by the National Security Service (NSS) in Juba.
Amath Jok was initially detained on 10 November over remarks she made during a live TikTok broadcast.
In a video clip circulated online, conducted in the Dinka language, Ms Jok is heard making derogatory comments about President Salva Kiir while defending former Vice-President Dr Benjamin Bol Mel. Dr Mel was dismissed from his posts by President Kiir on 12 November.
She was released shortly after her first detention but was later rearrested by the NSS for reasons that remain unclear.
A family member, speaking anonymously to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, alleged Jok was mistreated in custody.
“While she was in the national security cell, the worst thing was that her family and friends were not allowed to see her,” the relative said. “Unfortunately, we were shocked to hear that she was tortured, resulting in a miscarriage.”
The relative added: “My sister told us that she was tortured badly until she miscarried a three-month-old baby.”
The family said she had been briefly hospitalised but was now at home and in significant pain. They are calling for an investigation into the alleged abuse.
Torture is prohibited under international law. South Sudan is a state party to both the UN Convention Against Torture and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which contain unequivocal bans on torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
NSS spokesman David Kumuri could not be reached for comment.
Under South Sudanese law, the National Security Service has broad powers to arrest and detain individuals without a warrant.
South Sudan’s law requires authorities to bring a suspect before a court within 24 hours, though legal observers say this rule is rarely followed.