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South Sudan Creates Tribunal to Try Security Operatives

Dimo Silva Aurelio

   JUBA , SOUTH SUDAN - South Sudan's government has opened a special
   tribunal to try National Security Service (NSS) operatives accused of
   committing crimes.

   The head of the NSS legal directorate said Thursday the tribunal is an
   attempt to end impunity and restore the image of the service, damaged
   by numerous reports of human rights abuses.

   Five years ago President Salva Kiir signed into law the controversial
   National Security Service Act, which gave security agents the right to
   arbitrarily arrest, detain and investigate citizens or confiscate the
   property of any suspect deemed to be a threat to national security.

   However, a section of the act provides for the creation of special
   court to try NSS officers suspected of committing crimes.

   Jalpal Ubwech, NSS director of legal affairs, said the tribunal will
   prosecute hundreds of its officers accused of criminal offenses.

   "It's mandated to hold the members of the National Security Service
   accountable for all criminal acts and breaches of the National Security
   Act and any other laws and regulations. The tribunal also shall have
   the power to try and punish officers of the National Security NCO
   [noncommissioned officers] as an individual or as a member of the
   National Security [Service] if they are charged with offenses which
   include human rights abuses," Ubwech told VOA's South Sudan in Focus.
   

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