South Sudan rebel leader Riek Machar’s former spokesperson, who is facing charges of treason and other serious charges, appeared in court in Juba today.
James Gatdet Dak was deported to the capital Juba by Kenyan authorities in November last year.
Just before his deportation to South Sudan, Gatdet had expressed his support for the removal of a Kenyan general of a United Nations peacekeeping force accused of failing to protect civilians after the outbreak of war in Juba in July last year.
A relative of Gatdet, on condition of anonymity, told Radio Tamazuj today that the complainant from the National Security Service Lt. Can. Angelo Sabrino had presented all charges levelled against Gatdet.
The relative pointed out that the defense lawyer Monyluak Alor Kuol refuted all charges levelled against Gatdet, including allegations that his client was inciting violence on social media following fighting in July last year.
“During the court sitting today, Monyluak asked Sabrio whether he was aware of the national dialogue initiative and the general amnesty by the president, then he responded that he is not aware of any amnesty offer,” he explained.
He revealed that the court sitting was adjourned until Monday to hear the complainant’s witness.