The Agency for Independent Media is calling on Jonglei state government to release 20 women who have been detained for conducting a peaceful demonstration in Bor town.

The women protested last week against the state governor, accusing him of corruption and administrative weaknesses.

The Executive Director of the agency, David De Dau, says the detention of the women without charges is a human rights violation.

He calls on the national government and the international community to intervene.

“Our appeal to the state government is that; number one: it is a violation of human rights to keep someone for more than 24 hours in custody without taking the person to a court of law,” Mr Dau said.

“And two, it is the right of women to demonstrate. They have the right to demonstrate and the governor should have actually acted in a more democratic manner.

“He should have actually come out and listened to the concerns of the women and promise to address them at a specific time.”

Mr. Dau also appealed to the youth in Bor who are threatening to protest to stay calm and avoid violence.

The women had organized a protest where they accused the state’s Caretaker Governor John Kong Nyuon of supporting rebels.