In South Sudan, we do things backward. Back when the pressure was strong to release the detainees, we opted for court of law...when the court was only 6 days away from its verdict, we pardoned the accused. This leaves us with no justice, no one accountable, hardened hatred between our politicians, and makes the path toward future reconciliation almost impossible! Not to add the amount of wasted resources. If Kiir knew all along that he was going to pardon them, why harden the hatred first between him and the detainees? Here is my take: The government should have let the court issue the verdict this Wednesday. If they were found guilty, then the president can pardon them like he did, if he truly believes doing so was good for peace. This would have at least make the president look benevolent, therefore, bridging the gap between him and the accused. If they were not found guilty, then the outcome would have brought forth two good things: first, it would have gone to prove that Kiir does not interfere with the court system and that he is a man who truly believes in his country’s judicial system. Second, it would have gone to show the independence of the courts system in South Sudan, proving that the court is a place where justice can be served regardless of what the powers that be prefer. This would increase the faith placed in our judicial system and also set precedents to help in solving similar cases in the future. In short, the whole charade was probably done to limit the amount of embarrassment that would come as a result of acquittal, which in itself, brings many other challenges. Although the court uses a different terminology from pardon; dropping of charges and staying of a criminal case without a set date to resume the case, amount to a permanent stay! Given that, we should all remember that since this was done before the verdict is pronounced, the accused remain innocent! So, for those who think they have leverage to continue to vilify the accused and blackmail them into silence, you probably need some legal proceedings lessons!
Posted on: Tue, 29 Apr 2014 15:11:20 +0000
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