A human rights advocate called on President Salva Kiir on Thursday to intervene in relocating a senior SSPDF officer from civilian land currently occupied by the military.
Speaking to reporters in Juba, Godfrey Victor Bulla, Executive Director for Justice and Human Rights Observatory Heads, and the legal team representing the judgment creditor, expressed frustration with the execution of the court order. The order aimed to evacuate Senior SSPDF Officer Lt Col Peter Chol from the property of civilian Remijo Lado Lino in the Tongpiny residential area of Juba.
Bulla voiced dissatisfaction with the handling of the case, citing the use of force by the occupying soldier to thwart the execution of the court order.
He stated, “We are very unhappy that this case, which began in 2007, has yet to see the court order implemented. Despite the court’s approval for the demolition, nothing has occurred due to the officer’s forceful occupation. When we went on the ground, soldiers entered the house with guns, ammunition, and locked themselves inside.”
Bulla continued, urging action from the ministers of defense and interior, as well as all organized forces responsible for ensuring justice. He emphasized the unfortunate circumstance where individuals resorting to criminal tactics obstruct the court order, potentially undermining the pride citizens have in their country. Bulla stressed, “If people are afraid to act against criminals obstructing the court’s order, it is very unfortunate that we may not have a country to be proud of.”
Advocate, Godfrey Victor Bulla, accused the Sector Four Commander of the SSPDF in the Tongpiny area of hindering efforts to demolish a structure illegally erected by Senior Officer Lt Col Peter Chol. Bulla revealed the financial strain incurred in executing the court order due to the Sector Four Commander consistently obstructing the process.
He stated, “It cost us a lot of money each time to carry out the execution, and we face challenges. One of the challenges is the Sector Four Commander, who consistently acts as an obstacle to the decision because the senior officer of Sector Four was staying in the house they grabbed. They intimidated the owner each time we attempted execution, making it impossible for us to proceed.”
Expressing concern about the perceived lack of justice for common citizens, Bulla emphasized, “This tells us that justice is not for the common person in this country. Injustice prevails for the innocent and the poor, while what they call justice favours the rich and powerful. We call on the president and the minister of defense to take action against these officers obstructing court orders that must be implemented.”
Bulla noted six failed attempts to execute the court order, attributing the failures to the senior officer’s use of soldiers to intimidate security officers assigned to carry out the order. “If a layperson cannot execute a court order, why should we have a judiciary, a constitution, or laws if they cannot protect innocent people or guarantee their rights? We call on the president as we approach elections; we need justice, and people demand justice.”
The lawyer highlighted the deteriorating health of the judgment creditor, who was physically harmed during attempts to reclaim the property. Despite having a court order, the individual remains unable to enforce it, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the legal system. Bulla stated that after attempting to vacate Lt Col Peter Chol from the land, the court has given a two-day ultimatum for the officer to vacate the property.