Makuei rejects “disrespectful” petition to free Bol Mel, demands apology

JUBA — South Sudan’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Michael Makuei Lueth, has dismissed a legal petition seeking the release of former Vice President and Chairperson of the Economic Cluster, Dr Benjamin Bol Mel, describing it as “disrespectful” and demanding a formal apology before any consideration can be made.

The response, dated 11/03/2026 and addressed to Adv. Kiir Chol Deng and Kiirdit & Co. Advocates, follows a petition submitted on March 6, 2026, requesting the Ministry to intervene in Bol Mel’s continued detention. The lawyers had argued that their client’s life was at risk.

However, Makuei rejected the submission outright, citing both its tone and its circulation in the public domain.

“The petition on its face is written in a disrespectful, impolite and uncouth language that is unbecoming and not acceptable in all standards,” Makuei wrote in his response.

The minister specifically objected to the phrasing used by the lawyers. He pointed to a line in the petition — “that this honourable Minister advises…” — noting it appeared repeatedly in “page 1… paragraphs 1, 2 and 3.”

The former Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services further took issue with the petition being shared publicly shortly after it was submitted to the Ministry, suggesting that this undermined formal legal procedures.

“Immediately after receipt of your petition, the same day you posted the same petition on social media, it became an issue for public discussion and judgment. It is no longer in the hands of the Ministry,” Makuei stated.

As a result, the Minister said the government would not consider the case of Bol Mel unless the law firm complies with specific conditions.

“For the above, the case of your client will not be considered except after receipt of a written explanation and apology from Kiirdit & Co. Advocates,” he said.

Makuei outlined two key requirements: an apology for what he termed the “impolite and inappropriate petition dated 6 March, 2026,” and a written explanation detailing “how your petition… reached the media and by whom?”

The development adds a new twist to the high-profile case of Bol Mel, whose detention has drawn growing scrutiny from legal experts and civil society actors. His lawyers have warned that prolonged detention without due process could endanger his health and violate constitutional guarantees.