South Sudan Begins Trial of Activists, Critics

On October 3, the government started its trial against Kuel Aguer Kuel and five activists associated with the People's Coalition for Civic Action, a pro-reform pressure group, which calls for political change through peaceful protest.

The court is also hearing charges brought against Abraham Chol Maketh, a self-proclaimed prophet who, last year, said he foresaw the Salva Kiir government being overthrown before the end of that year. He is charged with crimes against the state alongside four others.

Kuel is charged five co-accused - Abraham Awenleith, Wani Michael, Jame David Kolok, Manasseh Mathiang, and Daniel Makau who fled the country. They are charged in absentia for crimes against the state and, if convicted, could face up to 20 years in prison.

Right group Human Rights Watch says Both Maketh and Kuel have already experienced very serious violations of their rights including having been arbitrarily detained for over a year before being presented before court and denied adequate medical care or regular access to lawyers during detention.