At least 11 inmates charged with murder were released from Wau Central Prison in Western Bahr el Ghazal after a businessman paid blood compensation on Monday.
The inmates had been convicted of killing six people during the violent incident that occurred in the town of Wau in 2012. The incident took place when fighting broke out after a decision to relocate the county headquarters to Ngo-Baggari.
The release came after businessman Makiir Gai Thiep paid money to families of the six people killed in the area of Farajalla.
In a statement, High Court Judge Yai Anyuan Akot said the 11 people were arrested in 2012 and had spent eight years in Wau Central Prison.
According to the judge, all families of the six victims had accepted to be paid money as blood compensation to resolve the issue.
“Family members of the six victims said that they have no problem with the prisoners, so they asked for their release after the blood compensation had been paid,” he explained.
For his part, Businessman Makiir Gai said he released the 11 inmates as a good gesture to promote peace and reconciliation among the various communities in Wau.
“I took the decision to support the inmates and find a solution to their problem. I would pay 51 cows to each family, and I really commend the families for understanding the situation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the released inmates expressed their gratitude for the support provided by Businessman Makiir Gai and urged the various ethnic groups living in Wau to embrace peaceful coexistence.