Lakes state MPs freed after 10 months in illegal prison
August 26, 2015 (RUMBEK) – Authorities in Lakes state’s capital, Rumbek, have released two Members of Parliament (MPs) after spending 303 days in detention without charges in an unknown prison in Yirol East county in the state.
South Sudan president Salva Kiir Mayardit is largely believed to have instructed Lakes state caretaker governor Matur Chut Dhuol to free the two MPs on Saturday, 22 August, and the two lawmakers were received in Rumbek airstrip on Tuesday.
Thousands of their supporters turned out in Rumbek town, matching to airstrip with six bulls and two goats slaughtered as part of Dinka ethic community’s traditional reception.
The two detainees were received at the airstrip by entire members of parliament of Lakes state and SPLM state secretary, Mabor Ater Dhuol. The MPs were released without charges and told to stay in their respective houses.
“Till now there are no charges labelled against us. We have been told in the briefing by deputy governor that we should go to our houses,” said Marik.
He thanked people of Yirol East county and the local authority for cooperation they reflected during their detention.
“We do not experience any mishandling or any bad stay. I am free to go to my house according to Yirol East county commissioner Manyang Luk. He briefed us that he has been told to allow us free,” he said.
Marik explained that there had been no legal charges put in place against them since they were detained.
The other freed MP, Makur Buoc, called for peace and forgiveness across eight counties of Lakes state. He urged state politicians to unite for peace and forgiveness, describing the situation of Lakes state as characterized by death resulting from inter-clan fighting.
“I am much disturbed because we were having radio which we used to hear daily events of death. My message to them is that we should not be bitter. Let us talk about peace,” he said.
Thousands of their supporters broke into tears and shouted “free at last.”
(ST)