In a statement issued on Wednesday, SPLM-IO Youth League Spokesperson Gattiek Wichar said Gatmai was freed on Tuesday afternoon after being detained by the officers without clear charges.
“Comrade Alfred Gatmai was arrested yesterday in Freedom Hall while attending the court proceedings of the First Vice President H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon and other seven co-accused,” the statement read.
Security officials reportedly accused Gatmai of defying a search order while entering the court premises, a claim he strongly denied. The SPLM-IO described his detention as “unlawful” and called it part of a pattern of intimidation targeting its members.
“On behalf of the SPLM (IO) Youth League, I would like to confirm to the public that our comrade is fine and has been released this afternoon. We extend our gratitude to all those who exerted efforts to ensure his immediate release,” Wichar said.
Gatmai’s arrest occurred during the eighth court session of the ongoing trial involving Dr. Machar and seven of his allies, who are facing charges of treason and murder over the 2013 Nasir incident.
The SPLM-IO Youth League has urged authorities to respect the rights of its members and to allow fair and transparent legal proceedings without harassment or intimidation.
