Human Rights Activist Ter Manyang Gatwech Condemns Arbitrary Arrest and Assault at Freedom Hall

By Majur Chol Khor

Mr. Ter Manyang Gatwech, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) and a dedicated human rights activist, has publicly condemned the unlawful arrest and physical assault he experienced today at the entrance of Freedom Hall.

“I strongly condemn the unlawful arrest, physical assault, and denial of access that I faced this morning,” said Gatwech, who arrived at Freedom Hall at approximately 8:00 AM to attend a scheduled court proceeding as a civil society representative.

Despite his timely arrival, Gatwech was denied entry under false pretenses. “When I presented my international human rights identification card, one of the National Security Service (NSS) officers told me, ‘We have been looking for you, it’s good you came today,’” he recounted. When he questioned why he was stopped at the final gate after being allowed through previous checkpoints, he was met with violence.

Gatwech reported being physically assaulted—kicked in the neck and head—and forcibly detained. “They covered my head with a dirty cloth to prevent public recognition as I was placed into an NSS vehicle,” he described.

While in custody, Gatwech identified himself as a civil society member, but his plea for entry was ignored. He revealed, “One officer recommended that I be allowed entry, but others disregarded his orders. I was subjected to degrading treatment and ethnic-based discrimination because I am a Nuer human rights defender.” He later discovered that two of the involved officers, also Nuer, are affiliated with the Office of the First Vice President.

After the assault, Gatwech was turned over to the police and driven around Juba for nearly 25 minutes before being returned to Freedom Hall. An NSS officer remarked that he was “lucky” to possess a human rights identification card, suggesting that without it, the situation could have been far worse.

Gatwech is calling on the Government of South Sudan to uphold the rule of law. “I urge the government to ensure that all citizens—regardless of ethnicity—are treated with dignity, fairness, and equality,” he stated. He emphasized that no democratic society should tolerate state actors who target individuals based on their tribal identity or peaceful activism.

In separate similar news development, UJOSS Condemns Denial of Court Access for Journalists, Citing Threats to Press Freedom

The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) expressed deep dismay this morning after its members were denied entry to cover the trial proceedings of the suspended First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, and his co-accused.

“We were informed that only journalists from the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) would be allowed access to the court,” stated a UJOSS representative. “While we appreciate the access granted to SSBC, it is unacceptable to exclude our members who represent various media outlets and serve diverse audiences.”

UJOSS views this denial as a direct attack on press freedom, a right enshrined in the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan. The organization’s statement highlighted articles 24 and 32, which safeguard the rights of the press, emphasizing that such actions undermine the principles of open justice.

“This act is particularly concerning given that it has been facilitated by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the very institution tasked with upholding constitutional rights,” the UJOSS representative added.

In light of this incident, UJOSS is urging the government to ensure full media access to cover the trial of Dr. Riek Machar and any other trials of significant public interest. “It is essential for the integrity of our justice system that journalists are permitted to observe and report on proceedings without discrimination or limitation,” they concluded.

By Majur Chol Khor,
Multi-Media Journalist
majurcholkhor@gmail.com