Residents of Shirkat suburb in Juba are calling for immediate release of community members arrested on Wednesday for protesting against a planned demolition of their houses.

The Secretary General for Shirkat-Gumbo community, David Aleu, says five people were also injured during the demonstration.

“They were not carrying any sticks to beat anyone. And now we were wondering why the citizens of this country were beaten by the military and also the national security without any harm which was actually done to anyone,” Mr Aleu told Eye Radio.

However, the Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement in Central Equatoria, Gerald Francis, says the protestors settled in the area illegally.

He says the protestors were arrested for using violence and will be tried in court.

“Of course they will be released. They will be released through the course of the law,” Mr Francis added.

The community representatives say fifty people were arrested in the protest. But the police have not confirmed the number.