The recent arrest of a government critic by the South Sudanese government is a violation of fundamental human rights and democratic principles.

Development Diaries reports that despite being granted bail by the country’s Minister of Justice, the National Security Service (NSS) has kept government critic, Morris Bak, in detention under the pretext of investigating him for committing crimes against the state.

According to Amnesty International, following his arrest, Bak was detained incommunicado for at least three months, even as family members claim that during this time, he endured abuse, torture, and other cruel treatment in addition to being kept in solitary confinement.

We consider Bak’s ongoing arbitrary detention a flagrant misuse of the NSS authorities’ powers and a breach of South Sudanese and international human rights law.

Silencing dissent through arrests and intimidation undermines freedom of speech and expression and stifles the essential dialogue needed for the nation’s progress.

Such actions by the South Sudanese authorities reflect an alarming disregard for the rule of law and the principles of justice, eroding the trust and confidence of the people in their government.

The South Sudanese government must understand that genuine leadership is about accepting constructive criticism and creating a space where everyone can be heard.

Development Diaries calls on the South Sudanese government to release Bak immediately in accordance with the country’s Minister of Justice’s decision.

Source: Amnesty International

Photo source: Amnesty International