Koch humanitarian worker slapped with SSP 1.1 million fine and six-month jail term

BENTIU – A humanitarian worker has been fined at least SSP 1.1 million and sentenced to a six-month prison term despite a ruling by an UN-supported mobile court exonerating him.

Daniel Wal Tuol Teny, who was employed by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), was arrested last week following accusations of defamation made against him by members of his community.

In a telephone interview with Sudans Post from his prison cell today, Wal maintained his innocence and expressed surprise at the charges against him.

“I was charged with defamation without even being given the opportunity to face my accuser in the local court,” he said.

“The local court in Koch town imposed a fine of SSP 1,100,000 and a six-month prison sentence on me, and I was shocked to find myself alone in the courtroom without the person who accused me,” he added.

Wal further revealed that a mobile court supported by the UN mission in South Sudan had ordered his release, but the Koch County Commissioner subsequently ordered a local traditional court in Koch town to re-arrest and fine him.

“There is no justification for imposing a fine of SSP 1,100,000 and a six-month prison sentence on me in the absence of my accuser,” Wal asserted.

“The Koch County Commissioner instructed the local court to fine me SSP 1,100,000 and imprison me for six months. They don’t want me to confront the person who accused me of defamation,” he added.

When contacted by Sudans Post, Manyang Ter, the head chief of Koch town, confirmed that his court had fined Daniel Wal Tuol Teny SSP 1,100,000 and sentenced him to six months in prison in absentia of his accuser.

He denied that a UN-court ruled for Wal’s release, but said it is his court’s prerogative to comply with the ruling of the UN-supported mobile court.

“Yes, we have charged Daniel Wal Tuol Teny with defamation and imposed a fine of SSP 1,100,000 and a six-month prison sentence,” he added.

“His accuser was not present, but the court charged him based on his printed communications on social media,” Chief Manyang explained.

He added that the charges against Daniel Wal Tuol Teny were based on printed material that they deemed defamatory.