Michael Rial Christopher is charged with intentionally circulating malicious and inciting content in contravention of Section 29 of the Media Authority Act 2013 - credit | Michael Christopher Facebook

The Media Authority has imposed a fine of 750,000 South Sudanese Pounds on the Editor-in-Chief of Al Watan newspaper.

This is considered a penalty for publishing what the media regulator calls “inciting content on social media.”

Michael Christopher is charged with intentionally circulating malicious and inciting content in contravention of Section 29 of the Media Authority Act 2013.

It warned against publishing, broadcasting, or disseminating statements that threaten, insult, ridicule, or abuse a person or group.

Christopher is also charged with contravening section 8 of the Code of Conduct on Accountability and Transparency.

The section states that a journalist shall explain ethical choices and processes to audiences and encourage civil dialogue with the public.

The Media Authority demands that Michael Christopher pays the fine within 30 days or face administrative action against his newspaper.

The measures may include, but not limited to, suspension of the broadcast license, seizure of or close down of broadcast operations.

The Editor-in-Chief of Al Watan newspaper says he will appeal the sanction.

According to Michael Christopher, his personal views on social media do not apply to the newspaper.

“They [media authority] said I fail to pay as Michael, they will hold me accountable as the owner of the newspaper since I’m the Editor-in-Chief,” said Michael Christopher.

“They [media authority] also said they will ban me from conducting interviews with some politicians -especially those personalities they do not approve. They did not identify these people they don’t want. But the letter I received from them yesterday talks about my activities on Facebook.”

“They [media authority] emphasize that if I fail to pay this fine, the newspaper and myself will be held accountable. The consequences will be imposed on me.”

In April 2019, Al Watan Arabic daily newspaper was suspended over alleged licensing issues.