Yakani’s false arrest: journalists warned against ‘yellow journalism’

JUBA – South Sudan civil society organization, the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has denied claims that its executive director, Edmund Yakani, has been arrested, and warned journalists and media houses against use of yellow journalism.

This comes after journalist Michael Christopher, the editor in chief of al Watan Newspaper, claimed in a social media Facebook post that Yakani was arrested by the police after he was charged by the a public prosecutor with “cursing threatening.”

 

In a statement to Sudans Post, CEPO denied the arrest claims against its executive director and said that the civil society watchdog may consider legal avenues to deal with the circulation of fake information against its management.

“CEPO is taking this opportunity to inform the public that recently a lot of fake and hate expressions inspired by yellow journalism were directed against the CEPO as an organization and to the Executive Director of CEPO Mr. Edmund Yakani in his capacity as head of CEPO,” the CEPO said in the statement.

Yellow journalism and yellow press are American terms for journalism and associated newspapers that present little or no legitimate, well-researched news while instead using eye-catching headlines for increased sales. Techniques may include exaggerations of news events, scandal-mongering, or sensationalism.

“The observed hate expressions and fake news will be followed up by CEPO legally for the individuals involved in those unacceptable acts and will be held accountable thorough court of law,” the strong-worded statement further added.

The statement further warned journalists and editors of using social media to spread fake news, saying such practice promotes disinformation among the people of South Sudan who he said has little access to news items.

“CEPO is urging media outlets editors and social media platforms users to abstain from using social media for promoting fake news and hate expressions. CEPO is urging journalists and media outlets to always demonstrate professional skills of balancing story by speaking to parties in disputes,” Yakani added.