The acting Press Secretary in the Office of the First Vice President, Puok Both Baluang has rubbished alleged arrest of Dr. Riek Machar, terming it as ‘concocted’ and ‘does not hold water.
He made this clarification after Garang John, a former SSBC journalist and government critic posted in his social media timeline on Tuesday that source in Machar’s residence had informed him about the detention.
“Sources inside Dr. Machar’s official residence in Amarat have informed this publication that he has been arrested, his security detail violently beaten, handcuffed and led away,” John posted on facebook .
In rebuttal, Machar’s mouthpiece trashed the allegation of his boss detention, saying this is a mere ‘fabrication’ and ‘baseless’ claims.
“Please be advised that the information recently published by Garang John regarding alleged arrest of H.E Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, Frist Vice President, is fabricated and baseless,” Baluang said.
He also decried the spread of misinformation by individuals and a few media outlets.
“I urged Mr. John, and all media outlet, to prioritize accurate reporting and rely on official communication from the office of the First Vice President,” Baluang noted.
Mr. Baluang urged everyone to avoid taking any actions that would exacerbate the current situation.
“We appeal to all to refrain from actions that could further agitate the current situation,” he concluded.