Minister of Justice in the state of South Sudan : Free journalist and activist Afandy Joseph

On December 29th, 2015, two members of the National Security Services of the State of South Sudan, detained 27 year old political activist, blogger and journalist at Al-Taabeer newspaper Afandy Joseph, in unknown circumstances, without allowing neither his lawyer nor his family to visit him since his arrest and until the date of this petition. No charges have been pressed against Afandy, nor has he appeared before a competent judge.

The circumstances of the arrest: On December 22nd, 2015, the National Security Services suspended and shut down Al-Taabeer newspaper, where Afandy worked as editor, a week before his detention by two of its members . According to human rights monitors in the state of South Sudan, the immediate cause for his detention was due to an article published by the Al-Taabeer Arabic newspaper, issued in the capital city of Juba, in which he criticized the policies of the currently ruling party in the state of South Sudan. Given the known practices of the National Security Services in the State of South Sudan, and the precedents documenting the serious violations committed by its members against a number of human rights defenders, journalists, bloggers, during the recent period, the family of Afandy fears for his life, physical safety, and is concerned about harms that can jeopardize his health.

We, the undersigned appeal to the Minister of Justice in the state of South Sudan to demand the following: 1. The unconditional release of Afandy Joseph, or his trial by a fair and competent jury.2. Allowing his family, lawyer, and doctor the right to see him3. Enable him to enjoy all the constitutional rights guaranteed to him by international and regional conventions.4. The Government of Southern Sudan will be held responsible for any harm suffered by Afandy during his detention.