By Yiep Joseph
The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has refuted the online information linking former Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel to funding prosecutors.
The Ministry posted an official clarification statement on their official social page over the weekend and cautioned the public/Media from spreading allegations.
Dr. Bol was relieved last week through Presidential decrees.
The ongoing trial for Puot Kang and seven other co-accused, including suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, remains a point of debate in many areas.
The accused are alleged to have coordinated with the White Army in attacks on Nasir town between March 3 and 7, 2025.
They (accused) face a range of alleged crimes, such as murder, conspiracy, terrorism, financing terrorism, treason, destruction of public property and military assets, and crimes against humanity.
The special court sitting has gone up to the 21st session, with the 22nd session to start today (Monday) with the witnesses.
While the special court continues with the trial, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs continues to warn the public from discussing and interfering with the process.
This comes after the recent removal of Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, raising a fresh social media allegation linking him (Dr. Bol) with funding the prosecutors.
In response, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs termed the circulation as mere ‘allegations,’ citing that the Ministry remains responsible and facilitates the ongoing court.
“The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has learned of a false and misleading social media post circulating online alleging that the former Vice President and Chair of the Economic Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, funded, directed, or facilitated any form of financial support to prosecutors in the case of South Sudan vs. Puot Kang and Others.” The statement read, in part.
“Under South Sudan laws, decisions about prosecution are the sole responsibility of the Prosecution Authority and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs,” it added.
The ministry warns the public as well as the media from spreading misinformation.
“As this matter remains an ongoing legal case, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs strongly cautions the public, media platforms, and online commentators against spreading misinformation that may prejudice the proceedings,” the statement read.
The ministry stated that the spread of misinformation will attract legal consequences, citing that members of the public should cease from such acts.
“Individuals who fabricate or circulate such misinformation will face appropriate legal consequences,” it read in part.
According to the statement, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs reiterated its commitment to safeguarding due process, protecting the rule of law, and ensuring that justice is administered without political interference or public manipulation.
Last month, Dr. Joseph Geng Akec, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, warned the public and the international community against commenting on the ongoing trial.
The warning came after some of the parties to the 2018 peace agreement opened debate about the court case during an extraordinary meeting of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), the body overseeing the peace agreement.
“Matters in court are not discussed outside,” Geng said. “The court calls this contempt if you go against it.”
He urged those commenting on the peace process to avoid discussing the judicial proceedings.
“This particular judicial proceeding is not up for discussion because the matter is in court,” he emphasized.