By William Madouk
The Minister of Information, Atney Wek Ateny, has assured the public that the newly enacted cybercrime and computer misuse law will not be used to silence constructive criticism against the government.
Speaking to journalists, Ateny said South Sudan already has many laws that could be misused to suppress people, but they have not been used for that purpose.
“First of all, South Sudan has no shortage of laws that they can use to oppress or suppress, but they have not used them,” Ateny said.
He emphasized that the Cyber Crimes and Computer Abuse Act is not meant to punish citizens who criticize government policies in a respectful and constructive manner.
“The issue of cyber crimes and abuse of computer act is not going to be used against anyone who expresses him or herself in regards to how the government does things if you are constructively engaging,” he stated.
Ateny revealed that he himself has a history of criticizing the government before joining it, saying he understands the importance of free expression.
“I myself am from that background. You know that I have been criticizing, and I am also open to criticism now,” he said.
He added that criticism should focus on issues and policies, not personal attacks.
According to him, those who question government service delivery, hunger, or lack of development will not face prosecution under the new law.
“There is no problem with anyone talking about the lack of services and about anyone exploring why people are hungry. There is no problem.”
Targeting online abuse and personal insults
However, the Minister warned that the law will address online abuse, personal insults, and attacks on individuals’ dignity.
He said government officials are also human beings who deserve respect and protection.
“When you are in government, you are not an outcast. You are also a human being. You have children. You have your wives. You have your family. You are entitled to protection and the sacrosanct of human dignity.”
Ateny noted that the law will focus on those who insult leaders personally, spread false allegations about their families, or engage in character assassination online.
“It is the abuse that will be addressed here. Anything which is not abused will continue unabated.”
The Minister reassured journalists that professional questioning and investigative reporting will not be criminalized.
He specifically mentioned that journalists who ask critical questions professionally have nothing to fear.
The statement comes amid public debate over concerns that the cybercrime law could be used to restrict freedom of expression in South Sudan.
Government officials maintain that the law is intended to regulate online abuse and protect citizens’ dignity, not silence legitimate criticism.
He described the law as an important step for the country, adding that it is now in effect and can be used in court.
“This historic legislation marks a decisive step in modernizing South Sudan’s legal framework to respond to the realities of the digital age,” Ateny said.
He warned citizens that not knowing the law will not protect anyone.
“There is no excuse in law. Not knowing the law also doesn’t prohibit the prosecutors from prosecuting you if you have actually committed a crime,” he cautioned.