The United Nations has called on South Sudanese authorities to immediately release human rights defender Peter Biar Ajak, who remains detained on charges including treason and alleged violations of national security laws.
Ajak, a co-founder of the South Sudan Young Leaders’ Forum, was arrested at Juba International Airport on July 28, 2018, and faces potential capital punishment if convicted. The UN criticized the detention as marked by procedural flaws, noting he was not informed of arrest reasons and denied legal access for seven weeks.
In a statement, the UN condemned the continued imprisonment, stating: "There is a clear trend in the use of national security and counter-terrorism legislation by states to criminalise free expression and the legitimate work of human rights defenders." The organization urged authorities to uphold international human rights obligations.
Ajak, also a political commentator, had previously posted social media messages criticizing violence in South Sudan. He is further accused under Section 75 of the Penal Code for publishing "false statements prejudicial to South Sudan," which carries a maximum 20-year sentence. Reports indicate he receives only one meal daily while in custody.
