By Yien Gattuor Mead
The manager of Leer 88.0 FM, James Gattiek Lieth Majiek, has been released after spending approximately one hour in detention.
Speaking to No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper, Gattiek said he was arrested by security personnel after taking photographs of trucks loaded with sand that were being transported to Bentiu.
According to him, documenting the activity led to his brief detention.
“The incident occurred when I took pictures of trucks carrying sand to Bentiu,” Gattiek explained.
“I was arrested shortly afterwards,” he added.
He added that such incidents involving journalists have happened multiple times, with security personnel detaining reporters for unclear reasons.
Gattiek confirmed that he was arrested at around 5:20 p.m. and released at approximately 6:20 p.m. the same day.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Leer County, Stephen Taker Riak Dong, denied that an arrest took place.
He described the incident as a discussion between Gattiek and county authorities.
“He was not arrested; it was just a discussion,” the commissioner said, adding that he was not fully aware of the details as he was in Unity State at the time.