The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) arrested one of its former staff members, Ruot George, on Monday, September 9th, for allegations of defamation. The arrest took place in Juba, where George is currently being detained at a local police station.
Police Investigator William Yach said the Union had issued an arrest warrant against Ruot George in connection with the accusations.
George has been in a long-standing dispute with the leadership of UJOSS, publicly accusing them of corruption, mismanagement of funds, altering the Union’s constitution, and failing to convene a general assembly. These claims have been strongly denied by the Union of Journalists.
Sources who wished to remain anonymous reported that they accompanied George to the police station. Upon arrival, police officers on duty confiscated George’s personal belongings and handed them over to the accompanying journalists before formally placing him in custody.
George’s public accusations have caused friction within the Union, sparking controversy over the organization’s internal governance. His claims of constitutional changes and financial mismanagement have raised concerns about transparency and accountability within the Union, leading to a sharp divide between him and the Union’s leadership.
Despite these allegations, the Union has maintained its innocence, dismissing George’s accusations as baseless and defamatory. UJOSS has reiterated that they operate within the bounds of their constitution and have upheld their obligations to their members.
The arrest of George has sent shockwaves through South Sudan’s journalism community, with many journalists expressing concern over what they perceive as an attempt to stifle dissent within the Union.
Some fear that the case could set a dangerous precedent, threatening freedom of speech and undermining the independence of journalists who wish to hold powerful institutions accountable.
Several journalists are now calling for a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter, urging the Union to address George’s accusations transparently.
Meanwhile, George’s supporters have taken to social media, calling for his immediate release and accusing the Union of using its influence to suppress criticism.
As of now, UJOSS has not issued an official statement regarding George’s arrest or the next steps in the legal process. The situation continues to develop as members of the media and civil society organizations keep a close watch on how the case unfolds.
The arrest has sparked a broader debate within the journalism community in South Sudan, raising questions about press freedom, accountability, and the role of unions in protecting or suppressing journalists’ rights. Many are awaiting further clarification from both the Union and the authorities as the case moves forward.
