Journalist's family increasingly concerned about their son's health

On this 12th day of detention of Bonifacio Taban without charge,  Norwegian People's Aid will meet tomorrow In Juba to assert more pressure on the authorities for his release

The family of the Bentiu FM journalist Bornifacio Taban Kuich who was imprisoned for investigating the deaths of four Angelina Teny supporters in Bentiu, capital of Unity state say they are increasingly worried about his state of health while he continues to be held for almost two weeks now in Bentiu State prison.

Bonifacio has been a veracious, independent reporter, colleague and friend to me for many years and his detention breaks all internationally recognised laws for the treatment of journalists.

On a telephone interview from Bentiu, his brother Stephen Gatwich Kuichalso said the authorities in the prison only allow them to do sign language to him through a window and don’t allow them to talk to him directly.
 
We are not allowed to talk to him, I only spoke to him once through the widow.  We are worried about his health in the prison, we are calling for the authorities and the international community to help him out of this unjust situation” he said.

Stephen Gatwich also said that the security officials in the prison had promised the United Nation Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) to release the journalist but when UNMIS left the prison after negotiations, they refused to release him alleging that he didn’t have the proper documents to show that he works as an official journalist, though he has been working for Bentiu FM as chief reporter for many years.   He was accused of conducting "foreign espionage".

they were cooperative but when they (UNMIS) left, they refuse to release him demanding his documents, they refused Bentiu FM documents, saying that he is spying on the activities of the authorities in the state but I do not really think this is the reason because most people here in Bentieu knows him because he is a radio presenter and those who have access to internet also read his articles on Sudanvotes website”

The association of media development in South Sudan (AMDISS). the journalists Union in Southern Sudan (JUSS) based in Juba as well as Amnesty International and Reporters without Borders have been informed about the detention but are slow in taking effective action to achieve the release of my colleague and friend Bonifacio.

Some of the journalists in Juba accused the leaders of these unions for not being committed to their responsibility in advocating press freedom in South Sudan leaving journalists at the mercy of the security personnel most of whom were former rebels who don’t recognise the role of the media in a new peaceful Sudan.

The next meeting organised is with Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) a non government organization (NGO) and some South Sudanese journalists tomorrow, Friday 7th in Juba, to discuss the issue of press freedoms and the specific case of Bonifacio Taban.    I will report back on the outcome of this meeting.

Updated Thursday 6th May 13.00 GMT.  Sudanvotes and Amnesty International spoke with Stephen Gatwich Taban, who confirmed that Bonifacio Taban had been released from Bentiu State Prison.  He is now recovering and wishes to thank everyone involved in his release for their untiring efforts and support.   Tomorrow, he must return to the State Prison to collect his radio recorder and camera.