Nation Mirror newspaper suspended in Juba for reporting the evacuation of Riek Machar
PRESS STATEMENT: THE NATION MIRROR NEWSPAPER IS SUSPENDED BY THE GOV’T FOR REPORTING THE UN EVACUATION OF RIEK TO THE DRC CONGO
August 19, 2016 (SSB) — The Nation Mirror Newspaper would like to bring to light circumstances leading to its suspension of publication for Friday August 19, 2016.
As you may well notice, the newspaper did not come out today as expected because of the following reasons;
When The Nation Mirror publication packaged news for printing at Ganesh Printers Co. Ltd in Juba, little did it know that the story about Riek Machar was a national security threat.
At about 11 pm, Ganesh Printers informed the newspaper editor that the National Security Services personnel deployed at the printing press, wanted the lead story article entitled “Dr. Machar Resurfaces in Congo” removed or else risk confiscation. Based on the information, The Nation Mirror decided to suspend printing right away to avoid losses of confiscation the following morning.
It is not the first time that articles have been removed from The Nation Mirror’s Publication. On August 4, 2016, Volume No. 004 Issue No. 081, one (1) article entitled “Former Leader of South Sudan ruling party seeks international intervention” was removed from the publication. This brings to two (2), number of incidents happening with The Nation Mirror publication within this month.
This act of removing articles constitutes to censorship and repression on our work and media in South Sudan generally. It also undermines Freedom of Expression and Media enshrined in the Transitional Constitutions of South Sudan.
The Nation Mirror believes in objectivity, fairness, and all other principles of journalism. Its publications have been factual, fair and informative for the people of South Sudan to make right decisions. However, we are disappointed by continued impediment to the smooth facilitation to fulfill its mandate.
In this regards, much as we are committed to our work, we call upon authorities dealing with information to allow media do its work to inform the public without hindrance.
For more information, contact; Tel. +211-954-111-173, +211-915-757-131; E-mail; news@thenationmirror.com, chopeesimon@gmail.com, info@thenationmirror.com
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