Backlogged Dockets Overwhelm Cells
Yei River County’s only prison now houses detainees far beyond its intended capacity, a direct consequence of stalled court sessions and untried cases, county commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme told Eye Radio.
Awaiting the Resident Judge
According to the commissioner, the previously assigned judge left for medical reasons, leaving hundreds on remand without a hearing and swelling daily intakes.
Judicial headquarters in Juba have designated a replacement, yet the officer has not reached Yei, prolonging legal uncertainty for suspects and their families.
Resource Challenges Behind Bars
Space is not the only limitation; food, bedding, and sanitary supplies run thin, straining wardens and inmates alike, the commissioner noted in his briefing.
New Prosecutor’s Office Signals Reform
With donor backing, county authorities inaugurated a modern office for the public prosecutor this week, a step expected to speed investigations and charge sheets once court sittings resume.
Calls for Coordinated Support
Taban urged the national judiciary, security services, and humanitarian partners to synchronize efforts, arguing that timely justice and humane detention remain critical pillars for peace in the war-scarred county.
Observers say the quick deployment of the judge could unclog dockets within weeks, provided logistical support and fuel for circuit courts follow promptly.