Differences between Agou John Wuoi and Yel Luol Koor and the Privilege Granted
By Deng Kur Deng, Pennsylvania, USA
January 3, 2018 (SSB) — The statuses of these two men—specifically, the release of 14 men, including Yel Luol Koor, while Agou John Wuoi remains behind bars—have generated concerns over the justice system in this country. This is causing many citizens—both the informed and the less informed—to wonder about the injustice we witness on a regular basis.
Why does Yel have privilege over Agou and what were the criteria used to grant him such privilege? Apparently, based on the current word on the streets of Juba, Yel is more deserving than Agou. I won’t comment on that here because my sole involvement is in requesting the President to reevaluate the case of Agou.
As we, the family, have heard to date, many have questioned the integrity of those who indirectly inserted inadequate, unsatisfactory materials and conspiratorial information for the sole purpose of keeping this young man caged. In addition, many citizens are questioning the President’s decision and the execution of justice in the country because of this recent decision, which embodied an unfair implementation of the law.
Many recognized that Yel and Agou’s crimes are inseparable. In fact, it is the same crime—a crime that brought 15 men together, yet 14 have been released while Agou is still being held against his will. Why leave this young man behind bars while those accused of the same crime have been granted freedom and liberty under our President’s pardon?
These are a few reasons why we, his family members, believe that, if there is justice, then Agou deserved to celebrate Christmas with his family—unfortunately, it didn’t happen. However, this decision excluded him. We are overwhelmingly disgusted by those who are providing iniquitous information and distorting reality.
To provide a hypothetical example, under chiefs who practice traditional law follow context specific to the laws or culture’s norms. They depend on witnesses who are more likely to present the material to them and commonsense at its best. This is slightly different from the constitution of the country.
The President should at least be given a chance, as a sole decision maker, to deal with facts that are linked to the constitution based on the power of the executive. If information is only handed down to you through unfavorable channels, and not in a court of law, then it is wrong. We know that Agou was in a business practice, however, no one talks about his business within the President’s office.
Instead, the focus has been to belittle or patronize his business, which is known South Sudan, particular in the office of President. What is keeping Agou in prison is not fact, but the unbridled individuals who have interests they are individually pursuing. In the end, law speaks louder than those who are twisting the law for their own benefit. They should at least clarify of why Agou was kept imprisoned and not Yel.
Now, there has been legitimatizing of Yel’s release. They say it is because he is sick, which is not contextually relevant to the pure decision from the President’s heart. What is so particular about Yel that gave the President leverage to release him and leave Agou when he is also sick to face a crime that is full of nothing but the distortion of facts?
In the eyes of the law, there must be equality. Therefore, we are asking for fair and equal justice to take its course in recognition of John Agou. Yes, we have heard the rumors circling around that if Agou is released, he might escape or fail to repay the money, whereas Yel was released simply because he will not escape. This is senseless. First, if Agou owns anything, he will not receive money while in prison—he must do everything he can to repay the money.
There are people responsible for Agou remaining in prison. Who made the decision regarding who should be released and who should stay? These people are projecting materials that are incoherent to what was brought before the court. Those who are feeding the President lies need to stop and allow the justice system to maneuver with no form of fabrication meant to falsely retain Agou in prison.
What makes justice less effective are decisions made based on insufficient evidence and manipulative methods to sway the facts. When we look into the case, many are shocked by the lack of transparency with the ongoing challenges and the failure of impartiality. You might even wonder, is this retribution? If true, it is abominable, especially when facts are brought to the surface and thoroughly reevaluated. That it might be retribution is repulsive.
We are frustrated and overwhelmed Mr. President by the fact that you are trying your best to reshape our country on many fronts—the justice system atop them all. Therefore, it is urgent for the President to fully review the case of John Agou.
This article was written by Deng Kur Deng AKA Raanmangar. You can reach him at pananyangajak@gmail.com
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