The legal team representing Agany Kut Achuil, the man accused of blinding his daughter in Warrap State, has issued a commitment to tirelessly advocate for justice on behalf of their client.
During a press conference held on Monday evening, Professor Anthony Ayok Chol, Kut’s lead defense counsel, declared their unwavering determination to see the case through to its conclusion, even if it necessitates taking it to the United Nations.
“This case is not going to be easy; it may escalate to the United Nations. It might take a decade. We cannot allow him to languish in jail, especially when the maximum sentence is ten years. This case, from my perspective, has the potential to extend for ten years due to the fundamental issues it presents,” he said. “If it indeed takes a decade, it means he will remain incarcerated while his six children, whom he is responsible for, suffer. We have petitioned for the judge to release him with stringent conditions so that he can work and provide for his family. Regrettably, the judge declined, and we are currently appealing this decision.”
According to his legal team, the accused is a police officer and owns a pharmacy business that has since closed. Prof. Ayok further questioned the rationale behind transferring the case from Warrap State to Juba, asserting that the proper procedures for such a transfer had not been followed.
“Transferring a case from Warrap State without following the proper channels raises concerns,” he said. “They claim that justice cannot be served in Tonj East, but what about Tonj South, Tonj North, Gogrial East, Gogrial West, or the nearest state in Greater Bahr el Ghazal, which is only 70 miles away? Why drag people unnecessarily?”
Prof. Ayok emphasized the urgency of securing bail for his client with stringent conditions, as the case’s resumption might take at least six months, and Agany’s children are currently enduring hardship.
He also accused the authorities of subjecting his client to torture during his detention and violating his rights.
“Agany was never afforded the opportunity to have legal representation, a basic right for anyone accused of a crime. He was abruptly transferred from Tonj East to Juba and subjected to mistreatment by an unidentified group of police personnel, enduring days of torture. This matter will be addressed comprehensively once the case concludes,” he charged. “He was deprived of access to his relatives, friends, appropriate clothing, and even food from outside sources. He was unjustly labeled a criminal and faced the risk of being lynched. It is imperative to underline that such actions are not synonymous with American values yet it is the American Embassy that is facilitating this.”