The Emergency Special Court for Organised Forces in Juba on Friday postponed the delivery of its judgment in the case of Police Captain Richard Ruai Kuol, the officer accused of assaulting a teenager in Juba earlier this year.
The court had been expected to deliver its verdict on Friday but adjourned the session, citing administrative reasons.
Speaking during the brief court session, Judge Lt. Col. Emmanuel Khamis Charles, Secretary-General of the Emergency Special Court for Organised Forces, said the court required more time to resolve administrative matters before issuing its ruling.
“We regret that we are unable to deliver the judgment today due to administrative reasons,” he said. “The judgment has been postponed to allow the court to complete the necessary administrative procedures.”
He announced that the ruling is now scheduled to be delivered on Tuesday, 21 July 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Captain Ruai is facing trial over an incident in May in which he was captured on video repeatedly beating a teenager in Juba’s Hai Cinema area with a thick club. The footage, which circulated widely on social media, sparked public outrage and renewed calls for accountability within the police service.
During previous hearings, the prosecution presented video evidence and witness testimony, arguing that the officer used excessive force against the teenager. The defence, however, questioned the legality of the proceedings and sought the dismissal of the case, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish a legal basis for the charges.
The court had concluded hearing submissions from both the prosecution and the defence and had reserved its judgment before Friday’s scheduled ruling was postponed.
The case has drawn significant public attention and is being closely watched by civil society groups and members of the public as a test of accountability for misconduct by members of the organised forces.
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