Detained Youth Activist Denied Family Visits

Michael Wetnhialic, a South Sudanese youth activist in his 30s, is arbitrarily detained at the National Security Service (NSS) headquarters, known as ‘Blue House’, without access to his family and lawyer. He was arbitrarily arrested by the NSS in Juba on 18 May.

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Your Excellency President Salva Kiir, I am writing to bring your attention to the case of Michael Wetnhialic, a South Sudanese youth activist. Michael Wetnhialic was arbitrarily arrested by the National Security Service (NSS) in Juba on 18 May. He is currently detained at the NSS headquarters, known as ‘Blue House’, without access to his family and lawyer. According to a relative, Michael has not been informed of any charges against him. This is the third time the youth activist has been arrested. According to his relative, Michael Wetnhialic was first arbitrarily arrested by the NSS in August 2017 and detained in ‘Blue House’ for approximately six months on suspicion of using Facebook to criticize the NSS and senior NSS officials. Michael was arrested again in 2018 when, according to his relative, the NSS suspected him of using a fake name on Facebook to continue criticizing the NSS and its senior officials. I urge you to ensure that Michael Wetnhialic, is handed over to the police, brought to court and charged with a recognizable criminal offense in accordance with international law and standards, or that he is released immediately; ensure that Michael Wetnhialic is not subjected to torture or other ill-treatment while in detention; ensure that Michael Wetnhialic is granted regular access to his family, any healthcare he may require from a qualified medical practitioner, and a lawyer of his choice. Yours sincerely, ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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