South Sudan’s Lack of Investigation into Journalist Christopher Allen’s Death Raises Concerns
South Sudan is unlikely to conduct a credible investigation into the 2017 killing of journalist Christopher Allen, as expressed by Minister Baroness Chapman. Despite international scrutiny and calls for accountability, previous inquiries have been dismissed as inadequate. The ongoing pattern of impunity for violence against journalists presents grave concerns for their safety.
Concerns regarding the lack of a thorough investigation into the death of British journalist Christopher Allen were expressed by Baroness Chapman, the Foreign Office minister. In 2017, Mr. Allen, a UK-US citizen, was tragically killed by government forces in South Sudan while covering the ongoing conflict. Despite international condemnation of the initial inquiry as a mere facade, there remains little hope for a credible investigation, as stated by Baroness Chapman during a recent debate in the House of Lords.
The situation surrounding Christopher Allen’s death highlights significant issues related to press freedom and the protection of journalists in conflict zones. Allen’s death, characterized by brutality and the circulation of disturbing images of his corpse, raised alarms regarding the treatment of journalists in South Sudan. Previous investigations into this incident have been criticized as inadequate, demonstrating a broader pattern of impunity for violence against reporters, with 80% of such killings globally going unpunished.
In conclusion, the prospects for a renewed investigation into Christopher Allen’s death appear bleak, with strong indications from officials that the South Sudanese authorities are unlikely to comply with international pressures for a thorough inquiry. The ongoing challenges of journalist safety and accountability in South Sudan underscore the critical need for sustained advocacy for press freedoms and protection against impunity for human rights violations.
Original Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
