where police brutality marred what should have been a peaceful learning environment, South Sudanese citizens are reeling in disbelief and outrage as distressing videos and images circulate on social media platforms. The stark scenes captured depict a harrowing tale of violence against the most vulnerable among us – the students.
Witnesses and observers have condemned the excessive use of force by law enforcement officials as they allegedly assaulted University of Juba students, with a particular focus on female students. Reports suggest that a group of about 100 students found themselves subjected to a brutal crackdown inside the female hostels and outside the hostels ,police Armed with sticks the police are seen mercilessly striking the defenseless students who lay on the ground, their voices stifled by the cries of pain and fear.
The disturbing incident reportedly escalated to a horrifying level as some of the female students were allegedly subjected to sexual assault by the very officers who were meant to protect and serve them. The invasion of the female hostels in Juba by the police has cast a dark shadow over the reputation of law enforcement and sowed seeds of distrust among the populace.
Calls for accountability have reverberated throughout the nation, with demands for Minister of Interior, Agnelina Teny, to provide a transparent explanation of the events leading to this egregious display of police brutality. The citizens of South Sudan are yearning for justice and reassurance that such atrocities will not be swept under the rug.
As a journalist dedicated to shedding light on human rights abuses, it is with a heavy heart that I bear witness to these despicable acts of violence.
The sanctity of educational institutions should never be violated in this manner, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice to prevent such horrors from recurring. It is imperative that the authorities address these grave violations, offer support to the victims, and take concrete steps to ensure the safety and well-being of all students in the country.