A human rights activist has condemned the reported assault of defense lawyer Josephine Ahel (Adhet) Deng inside a Juba police station, describing the incident as a serious breach of child-protection laws and a troubling escalation in a long-running forced marriage case involving a teenage girl.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), said he was “deeply concerned” by the attack, which allegedly occurred last week at the Northern Division Police Station.
Adhet had gone to the station to respond to accusations of kidnapping the girl, who is under the protection of the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare.
According to Adhet, after giving her statement, she was assaulted by about eight men at the station gate “in the presence of police officers.”
She said the attackers claimed they were acting under instructions from Gen. Manhiem (Malham) Bol Malek, former governor of Warrap State an allegation that could not be independently verified.
She later sought medical treatment and filed a separate assault case.
The case dates back to 2022 when the girl, then 14, fled an arranged marriage and sought support to pursue her education.
A formal arrangement was reached allowing her to attend school under Adhet’s guardianship.
Tensions resurfaced in 2025 when family members allegedly revived efforts to marry her off in exchange for cattle and a vehicle.
In November, Adhet says the girl was forcibly removed from school and later taken from a police station by her uncles before escaping once more and reporting to the Ministry of Gender, which confirmed it is handling the case.
One of the girl’s uncles, MP Jok Dut Malek, denied knowledge of any marriage arrangement, while Gen. Malek was not reachable and he is yet to respond to inquiries.
But Yakani said the attack on Adhet amounted to “a blatant abuse of authority” and called for firm action from national leaders.
“It is unacceptable for a lawyer defending a child to be assaulted inside a police station,” he said. “This undermines the constitution, the Child Act and the National Action Plan for the Prevention of Early and Forced Marriage.”
He warned that if individuals in positions of influence are misusing power to interfere in a child-protection case, it threatens South Sudan’s commitments to end early and forced marriage.
Yakani also expressed concern over reports that the same group allegedly behind the assault is seeking arrest warrants for officials in the Ministry of Gender claims that remain unverified.
South Sudan’s constitution guarantees free consent in marriage, but gaps in enforcement remain widespread.
Rights defenders argue that the girl’s case reflects systemic failures, where custom and influence often override legal protections.
Despite the violence and threats, Adhet says she will continue defending the girl’s right to safety and education.
Efforts to reach individuals alleged to be acting on behalf of Gen. Manhiem Bol Malek were unsuccessful, as no available contact was found at the time of publication. This outlet will provide his response once he is reached.
