Author: Madrama James | Published: 30 minutes ago
Inmate at Juba Central Prison –
JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) — The South Sudan Bar Association (SSBA) exposed a critical failure in justice on Human Rights Day, finding inmates at Juba Central Prison who have been held on remand without trial since 2021. The association immediately pledged legal intervention to address the backlog.
Advocate Viola Luka, the Legal Aid Secretary at the Bar Association, visited Juba Prison on International Human confirmed that the visit was organized to address the plight of inmates, particularly those facing serious charges like murder and offenses under Section 205, who have been denied access to justice.
She revealed that some individuals facing major cases have been detained since as far back as 2021 without ever appearing before a judge or receiving a conviction.
“The number of individuals on remand exceeds one thousand. However, our focus is on those involved in major crimes… Many of these crimes do not qualify for bail, resulting in individuals remaining in custody without access to justice. Therefore, we believe it is important to visit the prison to ensure that those on remand have access to justice.” — Advocate Viola Luka, Legal Aid Secretary
Legal consultant Rexon Dukaru, who accompanied the SSBA team, emphasized the critical need for timely intervention.
“There are those since 2021 who are in prison, who have not seen the judge or even been taken to court,” Mr. Dukaru noted. “They don’t even know their complainants or the investigators.”
Mr. Dukaru explained that the Legal Aid Secretary will now take definitive steps, including assigning cases to those on remand and advising them to proceed to court or schedule a session. For cases yet to be formally filed, the Bar Association will work to expedite proceedings with investigators.
The legal support provided is vital for inmates who cannot afford a lawyer, underscoring the role of the Bar Association in ensuring that citizens, especially the vulnerable, receive their constitutional right to a speedy trial.
