Arrest Rocks Cueibet County
Residents of South Sudan’s Lakes State woke up to political drama after security forces detained Chok Lieny Marial, the Other Political Parties legislator for Cueibet County, on allegations of undermining an ongoing adultery trial.
Officials say the MP convened a community meeting to settle the dispute privately, claiming the High Court had withdrawn the file; tensions escalated into a brawl that injured officers and civilians last week in Cueibet.
Government Stresses Rule of Law
Acting state information minister William Koji Kerjok confirmed the arrest, stressing that no individual, elected or not, may override judicial procedures.
“He misled citizens into believing the matter left the court,” Koji told local media, adding that all attendees involved in the fracas were detained and will appear before judges in accordance with criminal charges.
Activists Decry Detention of Immunized MP
Civil society activist Daniel Laat Kon voiced concern over the treatment of an elected representative, reminding authorities that parliamentary immunity exists to safeguard legislative independence.
“An MP should not be handcuffed like an ordinary suspect,” Laat remarked, urging investigators to conclude inquiries swiftly to protect Marial’s public image and avoid a chill on community dialogue.
Scholars Weigh Immunity Versus Accountability
Legal analysts in Juba observe that the constitution grants immunity but also allows courts to request its waiver in criminal matters, a tension that reappears whenever lawmakers face allegations of violence or corruption.
Professor James Kuel at the University of Bahr el Ghazal notes that transparent procedures, rather than ad-hoc detentions, would clarify accountability while respecting legislative privileges.
Eyes on Upcoming Court Hearings
Court officials indicate preliminary hearings could begin within days, pending review of Marial’s immunity status by the state assembly; both police and civil society insist that a prompt, open process will reduce simmering tensions in Cueibet.