Presidential pardon triggers releases in Lakes State
Authorities at Rumbek Central Prison in Lakes State released nine inmates on Wednesday under a presidential pardon directive, according to officials. The order was issued by President Salva Kiir and, officials said, applies to people convicted of minor crimes.
Prison officials say selection followed October assessment
William Marial Agok, director general of Rumbek Central Prison, said the release followed an assessment carried out in October ahead of a year-end presidential pardon. “These are inmates who were identified as eligible for the release,” Agok said.
Minor offences emphasised, serious cases excluded
Agok said the nine freed inmates were convicted of minor crimes. He added that the list did not include suspects linked to murder, adultery, or cattle theft, framing the releases as a targeted measure rather than a broad amnesty.
Teacher freed after 60 days in military detention
Among those released was Makur Nyot Marol, a teacher who had been detained for more than 60 days in a military facility in Rock City, west of the state headquarters, according to officials. Marol told Radio Tamazuj he was released at 2 p.m. on Wednesday.
Released inmate describes detention conditions, seeks care
Marol said conditions in the military detention were “very horrible,” adding that he felt physically weak due to heat and lack of ventilation. He said he was preparing to seek medical care for severe chest pains and fragile health.
Civil society welcomes step, calls for due process
Daniel Laat Kon, a coordinator for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) in Lakes State, welcomed the release while urging further action. “We are still calling for the release of the remaining detainees,” Kon said.
Rule of law debate continues around remaining detainees
Kon said releasing political detainees and others “arbitrarily detained without trial” would be a good gesture. He added that suspects not qualifying for pardon should be brought before a competent court. CEPO described the move as a step toward respecting human rights and the rule of law in South Sudan.