For immediate release: 24 February 2018
February 24, 2018 (SSNA) — The South Sudan Human Rights Society for Advocacy(SSHURSA) condemns in strongest terms possible the death sentence passed on SPLM/A-IO alleged military Advisor William John Endley. Endley was sentenced to death by hanging on 23 February 2018 by a High Court in South Sudan’s capital, Juba. He has been under trial on charges including the alleged espionage, conspiracy to overthrow President Salva Kiir, supplying arms to SPLM/A-IO, terrorism, sabotage, and illegal entry to South Sudan. He was arrested on 18 August 2016 after July violence and has been in detention for almost two years.
SSHURSA views Endley’s death sentence as politically motivated. Even if these charges were to be true, still Endley would fall within the categories to be released. He would be regarded as a political prisoner who should have been released as provided for under Article 9(2)(c ) and (4) of the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access which stipulate for the release of all political prisoners and detainees within 14 days from the date the Agreement comes into effect. On 21 December 2017, the government of South Sudan signed this Agreement with SPLM/A-IO and it came into effect since 24 December 2017. Like the case of James Gatdet Dak, the death sentence on Endley is a clear indication that the South Sudan government is not ready for peace. Such government behaviour is an unambiguous message of being not ready for peace. SSHURSA calls for Endley’s immediate release. The IGAD region and the international community should not ignore these signs of no good will towards peace by government. Punitive measures should be taken against those who choose war over peace.
SSHURSA also highly welcomes the report released on 23 February 2018 by United Nations Commission on Human Rights for South Sudan. Whoever has committed human rights abuses, war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in South Sudan should face justice. SSHURSA too, calls on the UN Commission to vigorously investigate the enforced disappearances in South Sudan.
About SSHURSA: South Sudan Human Rights Society for Advocacy(SSHURSA) was founded on 5 June 2007. Its Vision is a justice, peaceful, democratic, human rights and rule of law abiding South Sudan. Its Mission is to train general public on human rights, rule of law, transitional justice, peacebuilding, child protection, youth and women’s empowerment. SSHURSA dedicates its 10 year Anniversary to the memory of late Isaiah Diing Abraham Chan Awuol. For more information on this press release or about
SSHURSA, contact us through Executive Director Biel Boutros Biel: E-mail: [email protected]/[email protected] Cell: +211922355200 or +256793394260(WhatsApp).