Three media organizations have called on the government to investigate killings and end the constant harassment of journalists. They have also asked to be included in all future investigations of journalists' killings.
“It is clear that past investigations into killings of journalists have not yielded any fruitful results. We therefore, appeal to the authorities concerned to include representatives of journalists union, editors and media associations in any committee formed to investigate any incidents involving journalists,” they said.
In a statement, the three organizations said they were shocked by the news of the death of veteran journalist Isaac Vuni, who was kidnapped together with his brother three months ago. His family says he was kidnapped by uniformed people at gunpoint from his home along the Juba-Nimule road. His body was found dumped in a neigbhour’s farm late last month in his village. The whereabouts of his brother are still unknown.
Before his death, Mr. Vuni had informed colleagues that he was being followed by unknown people.
The Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS), The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), and National Editors Forum (NEF) say that since the beginning of the violent conflict in South Sudan in 2013, the media fraternity has lost 12 journalists, some of whom were targeted because of their work as journalists.
“AMDISS, UJOSS and NEF are deeply concerned about the alarming level of impunity for crimes against journalists, and the crackdown on media houses, and calls on the authorities in South Sudan to investigate the killings and constant harassment of journalists and bring the killers to book and end the harassment,” they said.
They urged the authorities to reopen all media houses that are still shut and provide a conducive environment for journalists to carry out their duties. Saying it is the responsibility of the government to provide security for all, they urged the government to guarantee safety for journalists.
“The media fraternity remains committed to provide the much needed platform for peace, reconciliation and development of South Sudan,” said the three organizations.
This statement comes soon after the killing of two journalists in July, Mr. John Gatluk of the Radio Community and Mr. Kamula Duro, a cameraman, and the closure by security agents of the Nation Mirror newspaper in September.
Earlier, press freedom group Reporters Without Borders said it was appalled to learn of the death of Mr. Vuni and urged South Sudanese authorities to shed all possible light on his murder.
So far, no arrests have been reported over the killing and there has been no comment from government officials.