The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in the Lakes State capital, Rumbek, on Saturday arrested a teacher identified as Makur Nyot Marol, allegedly on the orders of Governor Rin Tueny, for criticizing the state and national leadership.
Ayen Makur, a teacher’s wife, told Radio Tamazuj on Monday that her husband was apprehended while in Rumbek Market and detained at the SSPDF’s barracks in Rock City in Rumbek Town. She said she was told that he was arrested for criticizing the government on social media.
“I went to Abukloi Secondary School, where he teaches, and I did not find him. When I asked where he was, they told me they did not know. So, I went to look for him at Rumbek State Hospital, but he was not there,” she explained. “On Monday, I was informed that Makur was arrested by soldiers and is being detained at the Rock City military facility in Rumbek.”
“I heard that the reason for his arrest is because he criticized the government on social media, but they did not tell the exact official who ordered his arrest,” Ayen added.
She said this is the second time her husband has been arrested by the SSPDF, the first time being in 2022 when the state education minister ordered his arrest, together with five other teachers.
When contacted, William Koji Kerjok, the acting state information minister, said he is not aware of the arrest.
“If it is an allegation about criticizing the government, then I did not know about it. If you want to use social media, there are laws. I see that everyone just wants to use the media according to their wishes,” he said. “When you go to personalities, then that person will have the right to open a case against you and deal with you by law.”
“If you speak something that makes sense or something that guides the public, then you are free, and that is the meaning of freedom of expression,” Minister Koji added.
South Sudan’s Transitional Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, but rights groups say these freedoms are frequently violated. Journalists, activists, and critics of the government often face intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and detention without charge.