S. Sudan journalist shot dead in Juba

A Journalists previously working with New Nation, a forth night newspaper, has been shot dead by unknown gunmen in Juba at around 8pm Wednesday evening. The journalist has been identified as Peter Julius Moi met his death on his way home after work.

 None of his personal belongings were taken from him. His death came barely a week after the government warned journalists that it will not only close media houses but could possibly kill.

According to his childhood friend who describes Moi to be closer than a brother, the news of death is shocking and stunning because he had even talk with him during earlier hours in the course of the day and he was very fine.

“Moi has been an asset to this country, friends, everyone knew of his potential” said a childhood friend while speaking to The Nation Mirror on condition of anonymity.

He lamented that he is afraid of the future of Journalism in the country due to constant threats and lack of respect for the profession in the country

“Journalists need protection otherwise the journalistic work will become very difficult and probably some of us will quit” he disclosed further in tears for the loss of a friend.

He added that Moi was patriotic and very devoted to his journalistic profession; fellow journalists describe him as friendly and peaceful man. He has been in the industry since 2012 as a reporter for the New Nation Newspaper and by the time he met his death he was working with the Corporate Newspaper.

Peter Julius Moi wrote an analytical news article published on New Nation websites about the government crackdown on independent and how this affected the image of South Sudanese state.

The motive of his killers is still sketchy, but the worsening relationship between the media and the government of South Sudan, with constant closure of media houses and threats of prosecuting journalists who are critical of the regime.

President Salva Kiir is quoted to have said, "If anybody among [journalists] does not know that this country has killed people, we will demonstrate it one day, one time. ... Freedom of the press does not mean you work against the country," Kiir reportedly told journalists as he spoke about press freedom in Juba.

In earlier May this year the reporter of Radio Tamazuj and Gurtong trust Mr. Puok James also known as Pow James and his colleague Yohnanes Pal Kuek were shot dead by unknown gunmen while doing their work in Akobo county and many local media houses remain closed by the government security agencies these include; Voice of America, Free Voice a German Funded media house, Citizen and The Nation Mirror for allegedly reporting on peace in the country.

SOURCE:The Nation Mirror