Gov’t told to hold security officers who tortured Jonglei activist accountable

JUBA – A prominent activist in the capital Juba has welcomed the release of the Jonglei State civil society activist Bol Deng Bol who was arrested on Monday and urged both the state and the national governments to investigate and hold into account those behind the activist’s torture.

Bol who is chairperson of Jonglei State Civil Society Network (JSCSN) and Executive Director of INTREPIT South Sudan (ISS) was arrested on Monday morning and was held for several hours of the day by members of the National Security Service.

In an interview with Sudans Post yesterday, the activist said he was tortured by the NSS and state police forces. He revealed that he was held from 9AM to 5PM on Monday and was receiving treatment at a local hospital in Bor town.

In a statement extended to Sudans Post , the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) Edmund Yakani welcomed Bol’s release and called on the state government to investigate and prosecute those who tortured the activist.

“CEPO welcomed the immediate release of the Jonglei civil society Network chairperson Mr Bol Deng Bol after been arrested by the security services. CEPO appreciates the positive response of the state political leadership and security for our call made yesterday for the immediate release of Bol Deng Bol,” Yakani said.

“Mr. Bol Deng Bol said he was tortured. We are urging the state leadership to hold those tortured him accountable,” he added.

The prominent activist further said that the detention of the Jonglei activist violates resolution 14 of the 6^th Governors Forum which provides for respect for freedom of speech and also for the governor to tolerate criticism and open civic space.

“The recent concluded 6th Governors Forum adopted Resolution 14 (All leaders should tolerate constructive criticism, open political space and respect freedom of expression and opinion). This resolution prohibits any act that intended to shrink civic space across the country. The act of arrested Bol Deng Bol is first violation of the 6^th Governors Forum Resolution 14,” he said.