Nasir Trial Adjourned as MP Gatwech Lam Puoch Begins Defense ‎

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‎The Special Court handling the Nasir incident has adjourned proceedings until Monday, June 15, after the third accused, MP Gatwech Lam Puoch, began presenting his defense. ‎ ‎Gatwech, a member of the National Legislative Assembly representing Nasir County, rejected allegations linking him to activities related to the Nasir incident.  ‎ He told the court that his actions were part of his constitutional duties as an elected representative and were aimed at reducing tensions in Nasir and Ulang counties. ‎ ‎The lawmaker said a press conference cited by prosecutors was intended to encourage dialogue, address rumors, and help prevent conflict rather than incite violence.  ‎ He maintained that he was fulfilling his responsibility to represent and speak on behalf of his constituents. ‎ ‎Gatwech also argued that the Nasir crisis should be viewed within the wider context of challenges facing the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, citing concerns raised by various political act...
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‎South Sudan Court of Appeal Orders Retrial for Four Kenyans Serving 72-Year Sentences ‎

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Four Kenyans serving 72 yrs in Jail. 


‎Juba, South Sudan 

South Sudan’s Court of Appeal has set aside the convictions of four Kenyan nationals who had been serving 72-year prison sentences, ordering a retrial on corruption charges. 


‎Also read about: Civilians Flee Lakama’di as SSPDF Pursues NAS and SPLA-IO Rebel Group in Mundri East ‎

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Background: The Case and Original Verdict

‎The four men are, Anthony Mwadime, Boniface Muriuki, Ravi Ghadhda, and Anthony Keya were employees of Click Technologies in Juba. 

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They were arrested in May 2015 and charged with defrauding the South Sudan government. 

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‎In June 2016, the court convicted them for multiple offenses, including forging presidential seals, money laundering, and billing for undelivered equipment. Each was handed a 72-year sentence. 


‎More On Nasir: Video Clip: SSPDF Commander Col. Duoth in Nasir Dismisses Death Rumors, Says He Is ‘Alive and Well’


Click Technologies’ owner, John Ogou who was alleged to be involved in the scheme and is related by marriage to President Salva Kiir was sentenced to life imprisonment. 

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‎Appeal Decision & Retrial Order

‎The Court of Appeal ruled that the original trial failed to meet international standards of fairness, finding procedural irregularities and insufficient due process. 

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‎As a result:

‎The original convictions have been vacated.

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‎A fresh retrial has been ordered.

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‎The four Kenyans will remain in custody at Juba Central Prison during the retrial process. 

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‎Kenyan Government and Public Reaction

‎The accused have consistently claimed innocence, arguing they had no involvement in the alleged fraud and that their arrest and trial violated due process norms. 


‎Also read about: Breaking News: New CDF Orders Jonglei’s Red Belt Vigilante Group to Join SSPDF and SPLA-IO to Join Nearest SSPDF Barracks ‎


Their families and Kenyan civil society have lobbied Kenya’s government to intervene. 

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‎What to Watch: 

‎The new trial will be closely monitored to ensure fairness and transparency.

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‎Whether the Kenyan government will press for consular access or diplomatic intervention.

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‎Potential diplomatic implications between Kenya and South Sudan, especially in cooperation on judicial matters.

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