Juba mayor’s detention deemed illegal by lawyer

Renowned international human rights lawyer, Bol Gabriel Diing, has strongly condemned the recent detention of former Juba Mayor Kalisto Ladu by the National Security Service (NSS). Ladu, who was released on Friday after a period of incommunicado detention, faced scrutiny from legal and human rights circles.

Diing denounced Ladu’s arrest and subsequent release without formal charges as a violation of fundamental rights, particularly the right to a fair trial. He highlighted the constitutional and legal requirements for presenting a suspect before a competent court within 24 hours of arrest, which were not followed in Ladu’s case.

The NSS law, granting extensive arrest powers without a warrant, has raised concerns among human rights advocates about potential abuses. Ladu’s arrest, viewed by many as politically motivated due to his outspoken criticism of government practices, underscores the need for transparency and adherence to legal standards.

While Ladu’s release marks the end of a contentious detention, questions surrounding the legality of his arrest and the nature of the charges against him continue to spark debate. Calls for increased transparency and respect for legal protections have been made by the public and human rights organizations to prevent future violations.