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STATEMENT FROM THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF JUBA ON THE SECURITY INCIDENT INVOLVING BAKHITA RADIO
March 5, 2010
This statement goes to all those concerned and to the public in general.
As most of you might have heard on Wednesday March 3, 2010 at 10:00 am the Security stormed Bakhita Radio, closed the radio premises, stopped the broadcasting for about an hour, harassed, intimidated the personnel and took the directress to the Security Office.
There has been no explanation why Bakhita was summoned by the Security for an alleged mistake committed by another station. Why Bakhita Radio?
The Administration of the Archdiocese of Juba strongly condemns this act and in the strongest terms advices those concerned to follow proper procedures.
Nobody is above the law. If the Radio has surpassed its mandate, the situation should be referred to the Administration of the Archdiocese of Juba.
The Pastoral letter of the Archbishop issued on the first Sunday of Lent condemns the use of intimidation, harassment and manipulation at these crucial times of campaigns and elections.
We felt offended by the way the Directress of Bakhita Radio was taken from her office to the car under police escort to the Security Office.
The Catholic Church and Bakhita Radio have no political affiliation and take no sides with any political party. We will not accept church personnel and institutions to be treated as criminals.
We want to put it clear that any grievances or allegations concerning security or law impeachment involving church personnel should be treated with notice to the Administration of the Catholic Archdiocese of Juba. This is the way the Church works.
It is very regrettable that individuals, who come in the name of security, take the law into their hands to harass and intimidate.
We want to discourage in the strongest possible terms the behavior of some individuals who seem to have targeted our radio because of its prophetic stand and the role it plays in the life of the people.
Bakhita Radio is not the enemy. It rather complements what the Government is doing. The radio of the Church is at the service of reconciliation.
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