South Sudan’s parliament is considering passage of a bill that will give broad powers to the National Security Service to detain people without warrant or charge.

According to the National Assembly agenda yesterday, the bill was presented in its third reading stage by Hon. Samuel Duwar Deng, chairman of the committee for defense, security and public order.

A recent draft version of the bill is published herewith.

Article 50 of the bill reads, “An officer or member authorized by the Minister or Director General concerned may, without warrant, arrest any person if such officer or member reasonably suspects that the person to be arrested has committed or is about to commit an offense punishable by law.”

The bill also gives members of the National Security Service “all powers of the police” as defined under police service law or criminal procedure laws.

It allows the National Security Service to prevent detainees from contacting their family or lawyer upon arrest if such communication is deemed to “prejudice progress of any inquiry or investigation of the case.”

The National Security Service will also be mandated to monitor communications systems, newspapers and radio stations “in respect to security interest so as to prevent misuse by users.”

Commissioned officers of the National Security Service will be required to take an oath before the president swearing their obedience. 

File photo: The National Security Service headquarters in Juba, South Sudan

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