Six journalists in South Sudan have been detained by the country’s national security forces over a viral video of President Salva Kirr wetting himself.
The video which went viral on December 14 last year during the commissioning of a Chinese built road sparked debate on social media. Many questioned Kiir’s ability to run the country
The 71-year-old leader, standing for the national anthem during the opening of a new road, initially even seemed unaware of what had happened.
During the event, a pool was formed at his feet and he looked down and everyone noticed. The incident was broadcast live.
According to a press freedom watchdog, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Friday reported that six journalists of South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) were detained under suspicion over the release of the unauthorised footage.
“Authorities should unconditionally release these six SSBC employees and ensure that they can work without further intimidation or threat of arrest,” said CPJ representative Muthoki Mumo.
Those arrested include Jobal Tombe the control room director, camera operator and technician Victor Lado, camera operators Joseph Oliver and Jacob Benjamin, camera operator and technician Mustafa Osman, and control room technician Cherbek Ruben.