The Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Court decided on Wednesday to temporarily stop the court proceedings involving Mary Akuot Agany, a minor who tragically lost her sight due to the brutal actions of her father in Abiook village, Tonj South County, Warrap State.
The father, Agany Kut Achuil, faces serious charges. He allegedly led his daughter into a secluded forest on April 2nd and deliberately blinded her. His supposed motive? Punishment for what he viewed as her rebellious behavior. Rumors claim she mingled with the wrong crowd, eloped at a mere 13 years old, and tarnished the family’s reputation.
In an unforeseen twist, the defense team, unsatisfied with the proceedings, sought intervention from the Court of Appeal. They proposed two major modifications: having proceedings in the native Dinka Reek language and relocating the trial to Tonj South.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj at the GBV Court premises in Juba, Ukongo Benson Athia, a defense attorney, shed light on the rationale behind their appeal. He mentioned, “Our main appeal centers around language. We insist on having a translator for the Dinka Reek dialect, ensuring the accused’s constitutional right to understand the proceedings.” Additionally, they questioned the trial court’s denial of bail and its jurisdictional authority.
Athia further added, “We genuinely believe that the trial could effectively take place in the High Court in Tonj South. Our vision is for the entire GBV Court to relocate to Tonj South for the trial’s duration.”
For now, the legal process remains in limbo. All eyes are on the Court of Appeal, whose impending decision will undoubtedly shape the case’s trajectory, influencing aspects like courtroom language and the location of the trial.
