Eight members of Machar’s movement have been released, out of 21 people detained by the National Security Service, including relatives of the Minister of Petroleum.
An official from the opposition SPLM-IO, led by Riek Machar, explained that the release came following events in Nasir town in Upper Nile State.
Puok Both Baluang, Press Secretary to First Vice President Riek Machar, noted that the release of these members coincided with their arrest, confirming that among the detainees were relatives of Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol.
Those released are Nelson Malou Lueng, Kun Tut Gatluak, Peter Magong, Koang Puok Thoat, Biluny Puok Thoat, Buay Thichuong Buoy, Yien Dak Kuach, and Bidit Hoth Guandong1.
Baluang said that Petroleum Minister Puot Kang and Gen. Duop Lam, SPLA-IO Chief of General Staff, remain in detention. He reiterated the SPLM-IO’s call for their release, along with other detained members
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, welcomed the release of the eight individuals but urged authorities to free the remaining detainee
