Nearly 100 prisoners released as mobile court concludes 135 cases in Bentiu

BENTIU – At least 99 detainees were released in Unity State on Monday following the conclusion of a month-long mobile court session supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

The Bentiu mobile court, a joint initiative of the Unity State Government, the Judiciary of South Sudan, and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs—with funding from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Juba—wrapped up proceedings after hearing 135 criminal and civil cases, including murder and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) offences.

According to Unity State Governor Justice Riek Biem, the court, which began its hearings on 29 September 2025, marked a significant step in restoring access to justice in the state after years of judicial inactivity.

During its session, the court handled 45 criminal cases, convicting 40 individuals, while 18 others were acquitted or had their cases dismissed. An investigation team deployed on 22 September reviewed detention records, leading to the release of 99 prisoners who had either completed their sentences or were unlawfully detained.

Six of the cases involved members of the security forces, reflecting efforts to ensure accountability across all sectors.

The court also ruled on six SGBV cases, resulting in two convictions, and granted 22 divorces—including 17 petitions filed by women who had suffered abuses such as forced marriage and domestic violence.

“Through the Bentiu mobile court, the Unity State Government and the Judiciary of South Sudan have taken the first steps towards re-establishing the judiciary in the state after 12 years of absence,”
said Anees Ahmed, Director of UNMISS’ Rule of Law Advisory Section.
“This progress will enable permanent access to justice, especially for women, children, the poor, and other marginalized groups.”

Since February 2024, UNMISS has supported six mobile court deployments in Unity State, reflecting growing demand for formal justice systems. “These efforts are helping to break cycles of violence, reduce the abuse and exploitation of women and children, and promote lasting peace,” Ahmed added.

In August 2025, permanent judges were appointed to Unity State for the first time since 2013. During the opening of the Bentiu court in September, Governor Biem officially handed over the court premises to the judiciary, paving the way for the resumption of regular judicial operations.

Although the judges will temporarily depart following the court’s conclusion, they are expected to return soon as part of ongoing efforts to reestablish a permanent judicial presence. UNMISS has pledged continued support to the state government and judiciary in achieving this goal.

Between 2024 and 2025, UNMISS supported five other mobile court sessions across Unity State, including the first since 2013 in Koch, Mayom, and Leer counties. No formal court cases were heard in the state in 2023, but since then, mobile court judges have ruled on 449 cases, underscoring growing public trust in the justice system.