SAD: Kenyan-bred Emmanuel Jal Beaten Up by South Sudanese Police

International hip hop star and renowned peace activist Emmanuel Jal was badly beaten by police in the South Sudanese capital of Juba last night on 8 September 2012.

Jal was en route to the Gatwich guesthouse in the outskirts of Juba when he was stopped by police and robbed of his mobile phone. Imminent not to use violence, he was repeatedly beaten by 5 police and national security officers until he eventually lost consciousness.

A group of approximately 15 police and national security officers watched on as Emmanuel was beaten. It appears that Jal was randomly attacked in an unfortunate and unprovoked example of police brutality. The incident has been reported and an investigation is underway.

Jal is in Juba to highlight International Peace Day with the anticipated “We Want Peace” Business Gala and concert on 20 & 21 September 2012. The scheduled events are due to take place at Juba’s Independence hall. His dedication to peace and stability in his home country and across the globe has brought him to Juba to bring together members of the business, humanitarian and public spheres, in a bid to responsibly invest toward South Sudan’s progressive development.

Despite the downright sad incident, Jal is upbeat about his home-country, “I am releasing this statement because I was raised in an environment where speaking out against injustice is always considered a route for peace. Let us continue to put a spotlight on such dark issues, for it is the best solution in paving a way for our bright future”.

We wish Emmanuel Jal a quick recovery.