National Security Service Detains Dr. Riek Machar’s Cameraman Ahead of Key Hearing
The National Security Service (NSS) detained Mr. Naathdial Tuak Yerock, a senior photographer for the Office of the First Vice President, yesterday morning. The arrest occurred around 7:30 AM at the entrance of Freedom Hall, where Mr. Yerock was heading to attend the first hearing of what many deem a politically motivated trial involving H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon and other SPLM/A-IO political detainees.
Witnesses reported that Mr. Yerock was taken into custody by NSS personnel and subsequently transported to their detention center on the riverside in Juba. This incident raises further concerns about the pattern of arbitrary detentions targeting constitutional officeholders and members of the SPLM/A-IO.
“The arbitrary arrest and detention of our staff is completely unacceptable and represents a serious violation of both human rights and democratic principles,” stated Cde. Puok Both Baluang, the Acting Press Secretary for the Office of the First Vice President.
Baluang called for an immediate end to such practices, emphasizing, “We demand the immediate release of Mr. Naathdial Tuak Yerock and all other detained SPLM/A-IO officials. Such actions undermine the rule of law and threaten the stability of our nation.”
The Office of the First Vice President continues to advocate for the release of those unjustly detained as part of an ongoing crackdown on political dissent in the country.
