Legal basis for bail decision
Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech told lawmakers that South Sudanese law bars prolonged detention without charge, compelling him to order bail for the Freedom Hotel owner and staff after months in custody.
Geng argued that directing prosecutors to file charges while allowing conditional release respects the constitutionally guaranteed presumption of innocence.
Parliamentary scrutiny over release
Several MPs accused the minister of yielding to “invisible hands”, yet he insisted no political figure influenced his signature.
“The law does not let us cage suspects indefinitely,” he reminded the chamber, quoting article 19 of the transitional constitution.
Online rumors and bribery allegations
Posts on local forums alleged cash changed hands to secure freedom, a narrative Geng dismissed as “unfounded and malicious”, urging critics to await courtroom evidence.
Families demand tougher stance
Lawyers for the three deceased women appealed for continued detention and permanent closure of the hotel, describing bail as a blow to grieving relatives.
The Court of Appeal is expected to review their petition within weeks, keeping the room where the bodies were found sealed pending forensic clarification.
Next steps in high-profile murder trial
Prosecutors must now present evidence before a competent bench, while defendants meet bail conditions and the hotel operates under heightened inspection.
Observers say the episode will test Juba’s commitment to due process, a cornerstone of post-conflict institutional building.