By James Okony
The family of Aguet Garang is speaking out against the prolonged detention of their daughter with out trial.
The young woman is currently held in Juba Central Prison awaiting trial for alleged involvement in the death of her husband.
Aguet is the widow of Maj. Gen. Martin Deng Leek, who passed away on April 26, 2025, at Gudele Hospital. Before his demise, Deng was a general in the National Security Services (NSS).
Speaking to the No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper, Sultan Ajang Aguer, one of the relatives, expressed his concern that the sister has been in custody since June 13 without being tried, despite multiple attempts to secure her release on bail.
“My sister had a peaceful marriage with her husband, who suffered from heart complications and sadly passed away in her presence and that of other family members,” Ajang said.
“We were shocked when a case was opened against her, and she was later arrested following the funeral prayers. The accusation is that she was involved in her husband’s death,” he added.
He emphasized the need to ensure that the cause proceeds rather than leaving the young woman to suffer in prison.
“Our brother-in-law died of heart failure, according to medical reports. While we are not opposed to any legal proceedings, if complainants believe my sister could be guilty, there have been no court hearings since her arrest on June 13.” He said
“Three court dates were postponed on July 8, July 25, and August 28 because the complainants did not want the case to be heard; instead, they are requesting that it be sent back to the police for fresh investigations.” he added.
The family is demanding that Aguet be granted bail, as the case appears to be stalled.
Sultan accused the complainants of using military influence to delay the proceedings.
“We believe there is injustice in our legal system. Why do the complainants keep skipping court sessions to prolong my sister’s detention? They provide excuses to avoid attending court. I believe the reason they don’t want the case heard is that they know my sister is innocent and is just being targeted now that her husband has passed away,” he explained.
The deceased’s daughter Sabina Agot Leek, also called for mother’s release.
“Our mother is being falsely accused. My dad passed away in our presence and in the presence of those responsible for putting my mom behind bars. My mother could never harm my dad; they loved each other,” Agot said.
She added that keeping the mother in prison added trauma in addition to the father’s death.
“As a third-year medical student, I am worried I won’t be ready for my exams soon. Life is difficult for us; we have been forced out of our home, and our only source of support is imprisoned. I feel emotional about the treatment we are receiving over inheritance issues,” she said.
However, Ayuen Samuel, the plaintiff’s lawyer, stated that all legal protocols are being followed and that justice is not being denied, as the case is currently before the court.
“The case involves murder under section 206 of the Penal Code Act. We have evidence: the deceased was found with broken ribs, and an iron bar linked to the crime was discovered under the bed. Therefore, we have a solid case,” he asserted.
“There is no possibility of bail for a murder charge. The delays in court hearings are not the fault of the complainants but are due to technicalities,” he said.