12 September 2012
Newsdesk
Amnesty International has expressed serious concern at news that international hip-hop artist and human rights campaigner Emmanuel Jal was beaten by police in South Sudan.
Jal – former child soldier turned human rights activist and international hip hop star – is reported to have been stopped by police who seized his mobile phone. They then reportedly beat him for five minutes until he eventually lost consciousness.
Amnesty International UK Director Kate Allen said:
“We are deeply alarmed by reports that Emmanuel Jal has been beaten by police in South Sudan and we call on the authorities in South Sudan to carry out an immediate and impartial investigation, ensuring that all those responsible are held to account.
“Emmanuel Jal has dedicated several years to ardent campaigning for peace and security not only in South Sudan and Sudan, but globally.
“As a former child soldier, Jal knows all too well the devastation caused when weapons end up in the wrong hands and has worked tirelessly with Amnesty to campaign for tighter controls on the global arms trade.”
Emmanuel Jal – who was born in South Sudan – was in Juba to highlight International Peace Day with a “We Want Peace” gala and concert on 20 and 21 September.
