Lakes state caretaker closes down all illegal courts in Sudan’s Rumbek state
By Manyang Mayom
March 6, 2010 (RUMBEK) – The Lakes state caretaker governor Telar Ring Deng, has issued out state provisional order with immediate effect, closing down all illegal courts that were operating in Lakes state during ex-governor Daniel Awet cabinet.
Only courts established by Southern Sudan judiciary will be allowed to operate in Yirol, Cueibet and Rumbek central said a letter signed by Deng and seen by Sudan Tribune.
Telar Ring Deng, ordered the closure of all illegal courts saying that “all courts which were setup across Lakes state without warrant of establishment from judiciary of Southern Sudan must to be closed down”.
Nine courts comprised of all payam court (pending reorganization), Trade Union court, Cattle thief court, Fisheries court, Market and Porters court, Shiekh-El-Hila court, Town regional court, Border court and Gelweng court are impacted by the decision.
The community of Lakes state challenged judiciary of Southern Sudan of saying it have failed to quell down crimes across Lakes; the blame is overlooked by state government which in turn extends blame to Southern Sudan government judiciary since Comprehensive Peace Agreement was sign in 2005.
Acting president of high court of appeal in Rumbek John Clement Kuc, in an interview last month told Sudan Tribune that adultery had moved to third place in Lakes state crimes while murder and theft are leading cases in Rumbek as well local chiefs operating without judicial powers are imposing high fine to civilian population.
Ex-governor Daniel Awet Akot, has created more local courts without warrant of establishment from judiciary of Southern Sudan; Awet also introduced blood money of person killed with 51 cows which violates the Dinka original customary law of compensating a person with 31 cows.
However, compensation of intellectual person reached only 71 cows. Adultery became higher in Lakes state due to forceful marriage imposed by relative to their young girls and sons in Lakes.
(ST)