The Western Bahr el-Ghazal State Attorney’s office has ordered the release of eight detainees who have been held since clashes in Wau last December.

The group, comprising two politicians and six police officers, were found innocent of inciting the violence which resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people late last year.

The former state information minister, Sebit Baptist Francis, and state MP, Cirilo Elias, were reportedly released on Monday evening from Wau central prison after the state’s legal prosecutor established that there was no basis for their arrest, Voice of Hope reported.

Meanwhile, 6 of the 11 police officers detained in Wau central prison for their alleged role in the violence were released on Tuesday.

These eight were among a larger group of 24 detainees who went on hunger strike earlier this month to demand that their cases be presented to the court after they had been detained for up to 5 months without any court appearances or proceedings against them.

Baptist complained about the unsatisfactory conditions and harsh treatment that those remaining in detention continue to face.

He added in a phone call that the judicial system in the state was unsatisfactory and accused the state government of holding sway over the judiciary.

Report by Sudan Catholic Radio Network

Photo: 'Kober' Prison, Juba (Radio Tamazuj)