Authorities have released self-proclaimed prophet Abraham Chol Maketh nearly two weeks after he was sentenced to a month in jail for defying a ban on congregations to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Abraham Chol of Cush International Church was arrested by police in Juba on April 26 for defying coronavirus-related bans on large gatherings.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Police Spokesman Major General Daniel Justin said the self-proclaimed prophet was released after his defense lawyer appealed against his sentencing.
"Abraham Chol was released after he admitted his mistake. So the court exempted him from the ruling," he said.
The police officer, however, said the police would continue to arrest and bring to justice those who violate the emergency laws in the country.
Last week, the presidency decided to ease COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in the country, despite a surge in COVID-19 cases.
South Sudan has so far recorded 203 cases of the new coronavirus.