Gogrial Central prison authorities free 17 inmates

February 2, 2016 (KUAJOK) – Authorities in South Sudan’s state of Gogial released on Tuesday 17 inmates, who included three expectant mothers, from detention.

Maj. General Justin Garang, the prison director, said the facility, initially constructed to house 50 inmates, now serves up to 168 prisoners. Some of the inmates, he said, were convicted and are on death row.

The official, however, said only those with minor offenses gained freedom.

“The process for the release was made through the state high court to make sure those legal procedures was follow,” explained Garang.

The state prison director appealed to those who had been freed to go back into their respective communities and share experiences acquired from jail.

“You should be the ambassadors for peace in the communities because what you acquired during your short term sentence should help you to transform yourself in to good person in the community,” stressed the Gogrial prison director.

Majith Mangong Manyang, one of the freed inmates, said he was in jail for nearly three years having been convicted by the court for killing a person.

(ST)