Popular South Sudanese female comedian Amath Jok was rearrested by the National Security Services (NSS) in Juba on Saturday alongside a TikTokker who goes by the name Gokwel Gokwel and a singer, Akot Matuongdit.
Jok, 33, was detained for four days last week by the NSS following a live TikTok broadcast on 10 November, in which she defended former Vice-President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, who was fired last Wednesday. A video clip, in which she refers to Kiir as “a big thief wearing a hat,” circulated widely online. She was released from detention but barred from using social media.
Chan Bol Akech, a relative of Jok, said the family was shocked when security personnel returned to re-arrest “our beloved sister, Amath Jok.”
The reasons behind the renewed detention remain unclear, but the family was informed that during her initial release, the group that arrested her on 10 November was not involved in the decision to free her.
“When the family attempted to bail her out, disagreements reportedly emerged between the security groups handling her case,” he explained. “This alleged dispute led to Amath Jok being recalled back into custody. Amath was re-arrested on Saturday at around 5 p.m. at her residence in New Site, despite earlier instructions ordering her to remain at home.”
Meanwhile, Akot Matuongdit’s relatives, several of whom spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the singer’s arrest by men wearing NSS uniform.
Akuac Wol, who said he is a brother of the singer, confirmed the arrest.
“My brother was detained by unknown military personnel wearing the uniform of the NSS while on his way to South Sudan Hotel, where his colleague had invited him for a show at 9 p.m.,” he said. “For several days, his situation has not been okay. The government is targeting Aweil sons and daughters. The question is why Akuac Wol was left behind. However, I call on the government to pardon him and his colleagues who were reportedly detained with him.”
“I do not know whether it was Akuac Wol or the government who arrested my brother,” he added.
