Seven people were sentenced to one year in jail while four others were acquitted yesterday of inciting last December’s violence in Wau, Western Bahr el-Ghazal.

Radio Tamazuj learned yesterday from Wau that the four acquitted of blocking the Baggari road and burning a number of civilians’ vehicles and trucks loaded with goods are named as:  Martin Hassan; John Zacharia; Daniel Scandar; Simon Sabino.

Seven others were sentenced to a one year jail term under article 79 of the 2008 criminal code: Oliver Santino; Jacob Salvatore; Andrea Carlo; Joseph Peter; David Sabino; Andrea Scandar; Joseph Arkangelo. However, this sentence has been made retroactive from the date of their arrest in December last year.

Trials are still said to be underway for the remaining defendants.

33 defendents were initially charged in relation to the violence, although over a mixture of murder and incitement of violence.

At least 14 people died in the clashes last December, following protests over plans to move the county’s headquarters to Baggari town.  A number of security personnel were implicated by eyewitnesses in some of the killing.  Four policemen are currently amongst those facing trial.

Related:

Incitement, murder trials continue in Western Bahr El-Ghazal 19 March 2013

Wau trials begin for ex-commissioner, youths 28 February 2013

File photo: A burial procession after the events in Wau in December last year (Radio Tamazuj)