The South Sudanese government will drop treason charges against the four political prisoners who have been detained since the outbreak of the national crisis in December.

Former SPLM Secretary-General Pagan Amum, ex-National Security Minister Oyai Deng, Ambassador Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth and ex-Deputy Defense Minister Majak d’Agoot were charged with attempting a coup last year.

The four prisoners pleaded innocent and said the prosecution failed to present any substantial evidence whatsoever of the charges, insisting that there was never any coup attempt. 

Today at the premises of the MInistery of Justice, the minster Palino Wanawilla announced that the case was being terminated “for the sake of peace”, after many regional powers appealed for the release of the prisoners.   

The Minister of Justice, directed by the president, chose to halt the prosecution according to section 25 of the criminal act, he said.  Today’s press conference was attended also by the chief prosecutor.

It is expected that the order will take effect from tomorrow after a final court session, after which presumably the prisoners would be freed. 

“I, as the Minister of Justice use my powers under section 25 of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act 2008 to stay the procedure. That means I have to tell the court that the case should not continue against most of the accused persons with the exception of the three -- Dr Riek Machar, Taban Deng and Alfred Lado, who are fighting the government,” Wanawilla said.

Wanawilla explained that the leadership made this decision for the purpose of promoting dialogue, reconciliation and harmony among South Sudanese.

Photo: Minister of Justice Paulino Wanawilla (left) and Chief Prosecutor James Mayan (right) (Radio Tamazuj)

Related coverage:

Factbox: Understanding the detainees question in South Sudan (29 Jan.)