The family of Mr. Dut Kuot Akook, a government critic jailed for defamation, has appealed to Northern Bahr el Ghazal Governor Simon Uber Mawut to honor his public promise of releasing him.
Dut Kuot, a former employee of the state’s Ministry of Finance, has spent over 14 months behind bars following a fallout with Governor Uber after publishing an article criticizing the state government’s performance.
He was arrested on February 26, 2024, and later sentenced in May 2025 to 14 months in prison under Section 289 of South Sudan’s Penal Code Act, 2008, which criminalizes defamation. His family, however, disputes the charge, calling it politically motivated.
During a Northern Bahr el Ghazal community consultative meeting held in Juba on June 8, 2025, Governor Uber publicly pledged to initiate Dut Kuot’s release upon his return to Aweil.
But more than a month later, the critic remains in detention.
“Governor Uber publicly pledged to pardon Dut Kuot and command his release, with the support of the Aweil community,” said Kuol Akook Dhil, speaking on behalf of the family. “Unfortunately, that promise remains unfulfilled.”
He added, “As of July 10, Dut Kuot Akook remains in prison. We are simply asking the governor to speed up the process if he truly meant his words.”
Angelo Akuoc, a friend of the jailed critic, questioned the governor’s sincerity, calling the pledge “a political speech” intended to defuse calls for his removal and win favor among politicians in Juba.
“How long has he been back in Aweil? Over a month now. Yet we’ve heard nothing about Dut’s release. It’s disappointing,” Akuoc said.
In response, Garang Makuei, the deputy press secretary in the governor’s office, insisted that Governor Uber remains committed to the release but emphasized that legal procedures must be followed.
“The governor is ready to forgive Dut Kuot,” Makuei confirmed. “But this is a legal matter. He can’t simply walk into prison and order a release. The process must start with the court.”
He added that once the necessary steps are completed through the judiciary, the release will follow.
Meanwhile, Dut Kuot’s family continues to call for immediate action, urging Governor Uber to keep his word and restore trust with the public.
