Speaking to journalists in Juba on Thursday, Ateny Wek Ateny said South Sudan already has numerous laws that could potentially be misused to suppress citizens, but insisted that such measures have not been applied in that way.
“South Sudan has no shortage of laws that could be used to oppress or suppress people, but they have not been used for that purpose,” he said.
Ateny stressed that the new cybercrime legislation is not intended to punish citizens who express their views on government policies respectfully and constructively.
“The Cybercrimes and Computer Misuse Act will not be used against anyone who expresses themselves constructively about how the government conducts its affairs,” he stated.
The minister noted that he has personally experienced both sides of public discourse, having previously criticised the government before joining it. He said he understands the importance of free expression and remains open to criticism.
Criticism, he added, should focus on policies and service delivery rather than personal attacks. Citizens who question government performance, hunger, or lack of development should not fear prosecution under the new law.
“There is no problem with anyone talking about the lack of services or asking why people are hungry,” he said.
However, the minister warned that the law will target online abuse, personal insults, and attacks on individuals’ dignity. He emphasised that government officials are entitled to protection and respect as citizens.
“Being in government does not make someone an outcast. They are human beings with families and are entitled to dignity and protection,” he said.
According to Ateny, the law will address personal insults, false allegations against leaders and their families, and online character assassination.
“It is abuse that will be addressed. Anything that is not abuse will continue,” the minister explained.
He reassured journalists that professional questioning and investigative reporting will not be criminalised, noting that reporters who ask critical questions in a professional manner have nothing to fear.
The remarks come amid public debate and concerns that the law signed by President Salva Kiir on Wednesday could restrict freedom of expression in South Sudan.
Government officials maintain that the legislation is designed to regulate online misconduct and protect citizens’ dignity—not to silence legitimate criticism.
Describing the Act as a landmark reform, Ateny said it marks a decisive step toward modernising South Sudan’s legal framework to address challenges in the digital age. He also cautioned that ignorance of the law will not shield anyone from prosecution.
“There is no excuse in law. Not knowing the law does not prevent prosecution if a crime has been committed,” he warned.
