The family of detained singer Akot Lual Hou, also known by his stage name Matuongdit, has appealed to authorities to release him, saying they are facing emotional and financial hardship since he was detained.
The musician was arrested on 10 November alongside popular female comedian Amath Jok. The latter’s family reported on 4 December that she suffered a miscarriage due to torture while in detention at a National Security Service’s (NSS) Internal Security Bureau (ISB) facility in Juba.
Tong Atak Lual, the brother of the incarcerated singer, told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday that Akot is the sole provider for their family, which is now suffering.
“We appeal to the government to pardon him. As we approach the New Year, we believe our beloved President Salva Kiir will hear our call and forgive him for his mistake,” the family said. “It would be better for him to be taken to court rather than remaining in national security custody, which causes constant worry for the family.”
The family described the singer as a devoted father whose children urgently need his presence.
“Singer Akot is, above all, a caring father and the pillar of our family, and his absence has left a deep void both emotionally and financially,” they added.
The family said Akot is also known as a tech innovator and a role model to many South Sudanese youths.
“The time spent in detention has allowed him to reflect deeply on his actions and that he is ready to return to society as a more responsible individual,” the family statement said. “With deep humility, we appeal for his pardon and release. We pray that mercy and understanding will prevail so that he may reunite with his children.”
Meanwhile, Deng Bol Deng, Executive Director of INTREPID South Sudan, said the country’s legal system faces serious challenges.
“This situation is made worse by the lack of respect for the rule of law. In the process of state-building, institutions are supposed to be created, strengthened, and improved. Unfortunately, we have failed to do this, and that failure is the root of many of the problems we see today,” he said. “As we approach the end of the year, we are leaving behind many inmates in prisons across the country, including in Juba. Many of these people have not received fair trials in accordance with the law. Some do not even know whether they are guilty or innocent. This is happening under the watch of the country’s leaders and the Chief Justice.”
“While some efforts have been made and institutions established, a lot remains unresolved,” Deng added.
He added that as a human being, as someone who believes deeply in the rule of law and who represents people whose voices are silenced, he feels hurt.
“I feel there is still so much I want to contribute, yet we are often left with no option but to appeal to the government. We appeal to the government for those who are rotting in jail unfairly, for those whose mouths have been shut, and for those who witness injustice but cannot act because of the situation,” the activist said. “My appeal is that before the year ends, action should be taken. People should be granted bail, taken to court, or released if they are not being tried.”
“At the very least, those held for minor cases should be freed because we wanted a country where people are free, where the system manages itself fairly, and where all citizens benefit,” Deng concluded.