By: Ruot George
The head of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan Patrick Oyet has described the release of a detained journalist as good step by government in the quest for media development and freedom of expression.
“We don’t care why he was arrested, he was arrested before we came to office, what’s important is that he is released and we welcome the freedom granted to him.” Said Oyet.
Jackson was arrested on September 1st 2020 after authority accused him of having connection with the opposition forces loyal to Thomas Cirilo of National Salvation Front after publishing an article on No. 1 Citizen Newspaper on Aug 25 2020.
The article was about the clashes between government and NAS forces related to illegal mining in areas where NAS is operating, and the story says NAS denied the accusation.
The Editor in chief of No. one citizens Papers Esther Kwajeconfirmed the release of Jackson Ochaya to Juba echo, but last year, the management of the news paper distanced its self from his arrest as they said his detension had nothing to do with his journalistic work.
Ochaya was release without charges on Aug 13th 2021.
Speaking to Juba Echo, Oyet say the Union of Journalists of South Sudan will continue to engage with the authorities to improve the media landscape in the country
