Lakes state speaker says MPs’ arrest unlawful

December 5, 2014 (RUMBEK) – Lakes state’s parliamentary speaker, Baipath Majuec, has accused the governor of unlawfully arresting of two MPs without charge.

Isaac Makur Buoc Apac and Marik Nanga Marik have been detained at an unlawful location since their arrest on 24 October, reportedly on the governor’s orders.

Majuec says that governor Maj. Gen. Matur Chut Dhuol had asserted “special powers” to arrest members of parliament without first lifting their immunity as required under state law.

In an interview with the UN’s Radio Miraya on Thursday, Majuec said he had raised his concerns with the governor.

“I contacted the governor long time ago and asked him why he was arresting them (the MPs) when they have immunity, but he said he had special powers to arrest. It is still not known where they are,” he said.

The two MPs are reportedly accused of providing support to pastoralist youth during clashes with armed forces in Rumbek North county in October.

Marik’s wife, Tersa Nyanawaan Ayoom, told Sudan Tribune in October that the family has been left without a provider and remains concerned for his safety.

“I am crying since three days; I am crying and I do not know where my husband is. I myself I cannot say my husband is alive because I don’t where about him. I do not talk to him, even his sound is not heard,” she said following her husband’s arrest.

“Bring my husband back so to relieve my heart and have rest,” she added.

Ayoom says she last saw her husband at the police station, but when she returned early the following day she was informed he had been taken to an undisclosed location.

Buoc’s wife, Ayor Paul, has called on the state government to provide a public explanation for the MPs’ arrest, saying they should either be charged or immediately released.

The MPs’ arrest prompted more than 20 MPs to walk from state parliament to Lakes state police station to demand their release.

(ST)