PCCA reacts to Governor Kuel’s release: ‘A historic victory for rule of law’

JUBA – The People’s Coalition for Civil Action (PCCA) has welcomed the court decision to release former Governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal state Kuel Aguer Kuel, describing the vindication of the politician turned activist as “a historic victory” for the civil rights movement and the rule of law.

On Friday, South Sudan High Court acquitted Kuel who has been behind bars under the National Security Service (NSS) since August 2021 for link to the People’s Coalition for Civil Actions, a civil rights movement that has been accused of inciting violence against the state by the government.

In a statement extended to Sudans Post, PCCA announced Kuel’s release and hailed the court for the decision to acquit him, something it describes as a “historic victory” not only for the imprisoned activist and the PCCA as a pro-democracy organization, but also for the rule of law.

“The People’s Coalition for Civil Action (PCCA) issues this statement to announce, with excitement, the release of Gov. Kuel Aguer Kuel, who has been under illegal detention in Juba for nearly 17 months. The Special Court, that was instituted in September this year, issued unequivocal verdict yesterday, dismissing all the charges against Kuel and setting him free unconditionally,” the PCCA said in the statement.

“The PCCA appreciates and applauds the Special Court, for serving justice, which was denied for nearly two years. Yesterday’s ruling is a major boost of citizen’s confidence in the judiciary. The Judiciary of South Sudan suffers from crises of confidence owing to political interreference and intentional weakening of the judicial system by the executive arm of government, especially the President,” the statement added.

“The Court’s decision not only absolved Gov. Kuel and the PCCA, but it is also a historic victory for the rule of law and a major affirmation of citizen’s rights to freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom of assembly, which the government of South Sudan has curtailed.

“The willful disregard for the rule of law has been the hallmark of President Kiir’s government, a major setback for peace, freedom, and democracy in South Sudan – a betrayal of the long heroic struggle of the people of South Sudan for freedom and human dignity,” it added.