Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) expresses its deep concern over the arrest and continued detention of South Sudanese journalist and political commentator Samuel Peter Oyay,

who was taken from his home in Dubai by security forces on September 30, 2025, under unclear circumstances.

According to credible information received by the organization, six security officers raided Mr. Oyay’s residence at midnight, searched the premises for several hours, confined his wife and children to a separate room, and confiscated their mobile phones. No judicial warrant was presented, and no reason for the arrest was provided. His wife was reportedly informed that he would be released after five days of investigation, yet his whereabouts remain unknown to date.

WJWC has sent an official inquiry to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates requesting clarification on the reasons for Mr. Oyay’s detention and his current status, but has received no response.

Mr. Oyay is an independent journalist known for his analytical writings on governance and political affairs in South Sudan. He has contributed to several media outlets, including Africa Press and Radio Tamazuj. His most recent article, published shortly before his arrest, offered strong criticism of the political situation in South Sudan and of President Salva Kiir’s leadership.

Women Journalists Without Chains stresses that the detention of Mr. Oyay without charge or access to legal counsel represents a clear violation of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees the right to freedom of opinion and expression. The arrest also reflects a broader pattern of repression in the UAE, where journalists, academics, and activists have been targeted under vague and restrictive laws such as the Cybercrime Law, often used to criminalize legitimate expression.

The organization further notes with alarm that such practices stand in stark contradiction to the UAE’s official claims of openness, tolerance, and respect for human rights.

Accordingly, WJWC calls on the United Arab Emirates to:

·       Immediately and unconditionally release Samuel Peter Oyay and allow him to reunite with his family and resume his professional work freely.

·       Ensure due process rights, including access to legal representation, family contact, and protection from ill-treatment.

·       Respect press freedom and cease the targeting of journalists, writers, and activists for their professional or peaceful opinions.

·       Amend or repeal repressive legislation, particularly those provisions of the Cybercrime Law that criminalize free expression.

·       Comply fully with international human rights obligations, including those under conventions to which the UAE is a signatory.

Women Journalists Without Chains warns that the continued use of arbitrary detention and legal harassment against journalists will only deepen the UAE’s human rights crisis and further erode public trust in its justice system.

Released by:

Women Journalists Without Chains

October 7, 2025