The head of the UNMISS, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, said she had enough information to believe that the trials of some 100 people arrested during December’s protests in Wau should start soon.
Hilde Johnson told the press Friday in Juba that the Chief Justice was sending three judges to ensure an independent court procedure during the trials.She added that UNMISS would assist the three judges.
Ms Johnson said UNMISS human rights officials accessed almost all the 100 or so detainees being investigated for their participation in the Wau deadly protests during last December.
She explained that 70 where civilians, including nine journalists, politicians and MPs, and 30 from the security forces.
Ms Johnson said she raised the issue of the prolonged arrests at the highest level and she believed that due process was to start soon with the collaboration of the Chief Justice.
The UNMISS chief said the detainees were transferred from the national security custody to the Wau prison and police.
Ms Johnson said the detainees were being investigated for perpetrating violence or leading the protests against the transfer of Wau County Headquarters to Bagari.