This archive report was first published on 3 January 2020.
South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has released two human rights activists who were jailed for criticising the government, in a move that has been welcomed by Amnesty International.
According to an order dated January 1, 2020, President Kiir pardoned 30 inmates, including Peter Biar and Keribino Wol, who were detained in July 2018 and jailed in June 2019.
Mr Biar, a 35-year-old PhD student at Cambridge University, had called on top leaders in Juba to resign and give the younger generation a chance to lead the country.
Mr Wol, a renowned businessman and philanthropist, was accused of masterminding subversive activities against the government.
The two were among five people who were arrested in 2018, accused of fuelling subversion. The High Court in Juba jailed Biar for two years and Wol for 10 years.
Amnesty International had demanded their immediate release, criticising their detention as a violation of human rights.
President Kiir's move comes as the country faces critical 50 days after an extension of time needed to form a transitional government of national unity between President Kiir and rebel groups.
According to Human Rights Watch, government security forces have targeted people seen to oppose the government, including human rights defenders, journalists, and members of political opposition.
