By Chol D. Johnson
The Minister of Information, Communication, Technology, and Postal Services Ateny Wek Ateny has vowed to protect journalists.
The minister made the promise during his reception at the ministerial complex in Juba.
In his address, Ateny acknowledged the role of media, adding that his office will remain open to address challenges facing journalists in particular and media in general.
“I will never tolerate any harassment against journalists,” Ateny said.
“Journalists will have to run from where they are being chased to this ministry for protection, and I will be ready 24/7 to communicate with you,” he added.
The minister reiterated commitment to work hand in hand with the journalists.
“The lion’s den is the only secure place for a lion; the Ministry of ICT is the only den for journalists so they can’t be harassed,” he said.
The minister cautioned the journalist to always work in line with the laws guiding the media operation in the country.
He expressed commitment to ensuring that media is developed and strengthened across the country, adding that it remains vital in every step of progress.
The minister urged the journalists to always contact him when facing a threat, adding that he remains committed to helping them.
“Call me immediately as a journalist if you’re in trouble,” Ateny said.
He vowed to clean the image of the country through working within the law that protects the media and freedom of speech.
“I want to make sure to clean the image of this country by applying the law and constitutions, which require us to respect freedom of speech and freedom of association,” he said.
Ateny, who formerly worked as the press secretary in the office of the president, was appointed recently as Minister of ICT and Postal Services through presidential decrees.
He replaces Micheal Makuei Lueth, the current Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
Recently journalists, media stakeholders with government officials, and NGOs commemorated the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (IDEI) in Juba.
The stakeholders acknowledge the critical role journalists play in keeping society informed.
The stakeholders expressed the need to protect journalists to encourage them to do their work more effectively.