[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 6, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H1367]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 FREE PETER BIAR AJAK FROM SOUTH SUDAN

  (Ms. DEAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. DEAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about Peter Biar Ajak, 
a husband, father, and renowned peace activist unlawfully detained in 
South Sudan.
  In July of 2018, Peter was arrested by South Sudan security forces. 
He has been held without charge or trial ever since, and has frequently 
been denied access to his family, counsel, medical care, and adequate 
food.
  Peter was one of Sudan's Lost Boys who resettled to Philadelphia and 
attended La Salle University where I taught for 10 years. I knew Peter 
as a brilliant student and leader. He later went on to Harvard and 
Cambridge.
  He is a dedicated peace activist, who cofounded South Sudan Young 
Leaders Forum. In his work, he has criticized South Sudan's leaders for 
failing to secure permanent peace for their people.
  Incredibly, Peter is now under investigation for crimes, including 
treason and terrorism. If charged and convicted, Peter could be 
sentenced to death. In reality, he is being persecuted for speech. I 
call on President Kiir to release Peter and all political prisoners in 
South Sudan.

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