Speaking in Juba on Tuesday during the opening of a three-day media training on court reporting, Alier said a well-informed and ethical media is critical to promoting justice and accountability in society.
“The Media Authority stands firmly as a bridge among media stakeholders. Together, we will build a media environment that not only informs but also respects the dignity of those involved in court processes, protects press freedom, and nurtures a just society for all South Sudanese,” Alier said.
He added that “courtrooms are spaces where truth, justice, and accountability come to light,” emphasizing that journalists play a vital role in shaping public confidence in the judiciary.
The Media Authority chief also commended the Ministry of Justice, the judiciary, and security institutions for what he described as efforts to ensure media access to court sessions and uphold transparency and professionalism.
However, his remarks came at a time when journalists have been barred from covering the ongoing trial of First Vice President Dr Riek Machar and seven of his co-accused—an episode that has raised questions about media freedom and access to information.
The restrictions have drawn frustration among reporters, who see them as contradictory to official calls for openness and ethical journalism.
Journalists were booted out of the courtroom during the first court session before the presiding judge in the hearing ordered that access be granted to accredited independent media houses and the public.
However, the order was seemingly reversed when the proceedings entered the witness testimonial episodes, with the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), a government-owned outlet, even barred from airing the proceedings.
Meanwhile, David Yauyau, the Deputy Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services, also echoed the need for responsible reporting, urging journalists to avoid misinformation and bias in their coverage.
“As media practitioners, you must ensure that your reporting is professional, balanced, and credible. The message you convey to the public must be free from misinformation or disinformation,” Yauyau said.
Josephine Achiro, Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Association of Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS), said the ongoing training seeks to enhance the integrity of both justice and journalism by equipping reporters with skills for accurate and ethical court coverage.
“Court reporting requires precision, fairness, and a deep understanding of legal processes. This refresher training will help journalists strengthen their professional standards and their contribution to justice,” Achiro said.
She added that AMDISS, with support from Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), has conducted similar training on conflict-sensitive reporting, gender and peace journalism, and digital safety.
The three-day court reporting workshop, organised by AMDISS in collaboration with NPA, aims to build journalists’ capacity to report responsibly on judicial matters.
Yet, the ongoing exclusion of journalists from Machar’s trial underscores a persistent challenge—balancing institutional demands for ethical reporting with meaningful access to the very information journalists are expected to report on.
