SPLM Secretary General’s name has been cleared by the high court today in Juba after the former minister of finance accused him of swindling 30 million US dollars in a press conference last month.
High Court Judge Ladu Erminio said the court found Athur Akien Chol’s accusations against Pagan Amum false.
The court also ruled that The Citizen and AL Masier newspapers were guilty of publishing wrong information.
The three defendents will pay 100 thiusand pounds to Mr Amum for damages.
SPLM Secretary General Pagan Amum said after the ruling that today’s verdict shows that South Sudanese can put their confidence and trust in the country’s judiciary to deliver justice and give right to those being wronged.
He added that the South Sudan accepted to be a free state so its people should now resort to law to resolve disputes when their rights are affected.
Mr Amun said Mr Akien’s accusations were politically motivated to destroy his image and service to the South Sudanese.
Former Finance Minister Arthur Akien Chol said the case has proven that the SPLM has indeed received the 30 million dollars they said he stole.
He added that he was going to appeal the ruling because it was unfair.
Mr Akien denied that the he said the money was transferred to Mr Amum’s personal bank account.