Activist sentenced to 8 months in jail and SSP 2 million for defaming Northern Bahr el Ghazal Governor

Activist sentenced to 8 months in jail and SSP 2 million for defaming Northern Bahr el Ghazal Governor

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By Ngor Deng Matem

Aweil town high court has today sentenced an activist Samuel Garang Dut to 8 months imprisonment.

The convict was also ordered to pay 2 million pounds as compensation to Governor Tong Aken Ngor for damages caused.

Presiding Judge Garang Mangok read out the court ruling today after months of court hearings.

He said Samuel Garang Dut has defamed the governor Tong Aken and was convicted according to South Sudan Penal Code 2008, section 1, article 289.

Garang was further ordered by the court to pay all the expenses incurred during the court proceedings.

In response, the defense lawyer of the activist, Madut Santino said he respects the ruling but not happy.

“Right from today, we are going to appeal against the court decision because Governor Tong is a leader of people who can be criticised. And by the way, South Sudan constitution gives rights to freedom of expression,” he said after the ruling.

Meanwhile, another critic of Governor Tong Aken, Bona Baak Apeny Manyueth was also detained today in Aweil town.

It is not clear why he was detained as his relatives call for his release or be taken to court.

Last year, Wieu Garang known as Wieu Mayethhak was sentenced by court for defaming Governor Tong Aken.

All the defamation charges against the activists stem from posts allegedly made on Facebook.