Watchdog urges Kiir-Machar intervention in ‘unlawful’ arrest of controversial preacher

JUBA – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his first deputy Dr. Riek Machar Teny have been urged by a diaspora group to intervene in the unlawful arrest of controversial cleric Abraham Chol Maketh who was arrested on the eve of independence celebrations by members of South Sudan’s security forces.

Last Thursday, security officers were filmed entering the house of the controversial man of God who claims to be a prophet and arrested him. Earlier in the day, he claimed in an interview that Kiir and Machar were exiting the helm by the will of God and hinted that Kiir is a magician.

In a statement, Peace Coalition of South Sudan (PCOSS), a diasporas advocacy group said freedom of expression is under threat in South Sudan saying the arrest Pastor Abraham Chol was unconstitutional and undermine the constitution of South Sudan.

“The State of South Sudan political, religious freedom of speech is under threat by the authorities within the state. It is in the best acknowledge of ‘Peace Coalition of South Sudan’(PCoSS) that Rev. Abraham Chol’s house was attacked at the midnight while he was sleeping a shift he is a thief or terrorist in the country,” the statement said.

The statement said that the arrest of the controversial pastor “is an indicator of failed system that is in the security dilemma and state failure that give few individuals’ power to work against the rule of law and believe at the anarchy model of leadership.”

“We fear the rampant suppression of voices of concern since the independence day by the gangs of ethnical managers, specific thugs distorted the rule of law, limited the freedom of expression, battered civil society and human rights, privileged themselves against the larger silenced majority in the country.

“Therefore, the freedom of expression and freedom of speech is anchored in our constitution. The constitution misused by the security forces, is the same constitution that give citizens space to express their grievances to be hard.

“We call upon the president, First vice president, vice presidents, and commissioner of South Sudan human rights and the minister of Justice to take immediate actions against those culprits who entered to Rev. Abraham Chol’s house at night without following due process warrant given by attorney.

“The aforementioned leaders should protect the rights of citizens and subjugate those who encouraged domestic anarchy in the land through their uniforms.

“We therefore call religious fraternity to speak out their voice against tyrant secret intelligent network whom their aim is destruction and division in the country. This is how they (Security), spread insecurity in the country while high authorities thinking their juniors’ officers are doing well on their behalf for citizens.”