Strengthening Justice to Protect Truth and Press Freedom in South Sudan
The Media Authority, in partnership with Journalists for Human Rights (JHR), convened a judicial training workshop aimed at strengthening the capacity of the justice system to address hate speech, misinformation, disinformation, and crimes against journalists. The two-day workshop brought together representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Judiciary, judges, prosecutors, and members of the South Sudan Bar Association, security organs, media stakeholders, journalists, and other judicial actors to enhance their understanding of the legal framework, investigative approaches, and coordinated responses required to safeguard freedom of expression and public trust.
South Sudan continues to face growing challenges within its information environment. The rapid expansion of digital communication and social media has transformed how information is shared, but it has also accelerated the spread of hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation.
Opening the workshop, the Minister of Information, Communication, Technology, and Postal Services, Hon. Ateny Wek Ateny, warned of the serious consequences of harmful online behavior.
“Social media and online platforms have made it easier for people to share information, but they have also become channels for hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation,” the minister said. “Hate speech can inflame tensions, fuel conflict, and disrupt social harmony, while false information undermines trust in our institutions.” He stated that in a fragile society like South Sudan, such threats cannot be ignored; hence, strengthening judicial capacity is essential.
Journalists, who play a critical role in informing the public, remain particularly vulnerable. Threats, intimidations, and violence against media professionals often go unpunished, creating a culture of impunity that undermines freedom of expression and the public’s right to access information.
In response to these challenges, the Media Authority, with support from Journalists for Human Rights (JHR), designed a judicial training program to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of crimes related to hate speech, misinformation, and attacks on journalists.
The Managing Director of the Media Authority, Hon. Elijah Alier Kuai, emphasized the institution’s commitment to accountability and ethical media practices.
“The
Media Authority is committed to promoting ethical journalism and responsible
use of digital platforms, while ensuring that freedom of expression is protected
at the same time. We must support the justice system to respond effectively to
harmful and unlawful conduct.”
He admitted that addressing these challenges requires strong coordination between the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and media stakeholders.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in thematic and interactive discussion sessions that covered the Media Authority’s regulatory role, an analysis of misinformation and disinformation within South Sudan’s information ecosystem, and a focused discussion on gendered misinformation, disinformation, and the motivations behind it. The Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression, adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, provided participants with regional guidance on balancing accountability with the protection of free expression.
A highly interactive legal affairs session was led by Hon. Angelo Sebith Gaetano, senior Legal counsellor at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. “Judicial actors must be equipped not only with laws but also with the practical understanding of how to apply them in cases involving media and online harms,” Hon. Gaetano told participants.
“Effective action against misinformation and disinformation depends on a comprehensive legal and protection framework, effective resource allocation, and strong multi-stakeholder partnership. We must also work together to combat transnational threats and build resilience within our information ecosystem.” Said Oliver Modi, the station manager of EBC.
Through the presentations of experts, open dialogues, and the engagement of active participants, the workshop strengthened the judicial understanding of the complex challenges posed by hate speech, misinformation, and crimes against journalists.
The Media Authority emphasized that protecting journalists and strengthening judicial responses are essential to democracy, accountability, and peace.
“A safe and responsible media environment is not only a media issue, but it is a justice issue,” concluded the Managing Director of the Media Authority.
At the conclusion of the
training, participants reported an improved understanding of the legal
standards that protect journalists and freedom of expression, as well as a
stronger appreciation of the link between press freedom, democracy, and the
rule of law.
