Government says no release of detainees before trial

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The national government is insisting not to release political detainees before legal proceedings.
 
Negotiators Nhial Deng Nhial and Michael Makuei Lueth told journalists on Tuesday that the Status of Detainees Agreement signed did not commit the government to release detainees.
 
Mr Nhial insisted that the government would only subscribe to constitutional demands on the release of detainees.
 
The Chief Negotiator said Justice Minister Paulino Wanawilla finalized the investigation of the detainees and would soon render reports to the presidency.
 
He pointed out that the Transitional Constitution gives the president powers to pardon detainees whether they were convicted or acquitted by court of law.
 
He added that President Salva Kiir has the constitutional powers to withdraw legal proceedings, depending on evidences gathered on the alleged coup attempt.
 
SPLMDC Chief Lam Akol Ajawin said there was no appropriate attention paid to the issue of detainees in the IGAD mediated negotiations.
 
He expressed concerns and shocks on the December 15 unfolding crisis.
 
Dr Ajawin said participation of the detainees in February dialogue to discuss the root causes of the crisis was crucial in the interest of peace and reconciliation.