The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of South Sudanese journalist Sisto Germano Ohide, who was arrested on August 6 in Kapoeta town on defamation charges. After initially being released for medical treatment, Ohide was re-arrested on August 7 and transferred to Torit Central Police Station without formal charges.
CPJ’s Africa Program Coordinator, Muthoki Mumo, criticized the arrest as a serious violation of press freedom, highlighting that Ohide remains in custody while suffering from malaria. Mumo urged South Sudanese authorities to release Ohide and drop all charges against him, describing the incident as another stain on the country’s already poor record of press freedom.
Ohide’s arrest is believed to be linked to a report he aired on July 26 regarding a dispute between a local Catholic diocese and a woman accused of damaging a church statue. Despite the lack of formal charges, his detention has raised significant concerns among press freedom advocates and local media organizations.