The trial of David Garang Goc, the Jonglei Civil Society Network chairperson, has been adjourned until Monday, May 17, 2021, amid his lawyer questioning the court’s competence. 

Garang, who was arrested on defamation charges had accused the state government of allegedly embezzling relief food meant for the flood victims in Jonglei state, was released last Saturday pending a trial on Monday. 

However, Deng Akoi, the Bor County Court judge Monday adjourned the first hearing of the case. 

James Kachuol, the accused’s defense lawyer told Radio Tamazuj, “My client was charged under Section 289 of the Penal Code Act, which is about defamation. Yesterday, no proceedings took place. As Garang’s defense lawyer, yesterday, I had an objection that a county court does not have jurisdiction over a defamation case. And again, the prosecutor was not there. So, those reasons led to the adjournment.” 

He added, “Next Monday, we will come back to the court to hear the county court judge’s response to our submission that he had no jurisdiction and the case be transferred to the High Court.”

David Garang Goc, the accused activist who is currently on bail, said he will be ready to stand trial Monday, reiterating the sufficiency of the evidence to back his claim. 

Deng Akoi, the Bor County judge presiding over the case declined to comment.