South Sudan editor wants reasons why newspaper was closed

The newspaper was ordered to cease publication because it "indulges in activities that are incompatible with its status" after it published details of political corruption.
1 min read
16 September, 2016
The newspaper has a daily readership of around 2500 in the world's newest country
The editor of a South Sudanese newspaper closed by authorities the same week he published details of government corruption, said he couldn't think of any reason for the closure.

Aurelious Simon Chopee, editor of The Nation Mirror, told The New Arab that he had not received any official visit from the regulators, and he had been given no reason for their closure.

"The Nation Mirror remains closed for the second day," said Chopee.

"Not even the South Sudan Media Authority, a body tasked with regulating the media in this country, has visited our offices."

The newspaper detailed a report published earlier this week by The Sentry, an organisation set up by George Clooney to investigate war crimes in South Sudan.

The report published details on how senior politicians and generals in the country were allegedly deriving huge profits from corruption and laundering the proceeds abroad. 

According to Reuterssecurity officials ordered the paper's closure, because it "indulges in activities that are incompatible with its status".

Chopee told The New Arab: "We are still waiting to receive an update from the South Sudan National Security Services."