Makuei rejects Bol Mel petition, demands apology over “disrespectful Language”

2026-03-21 - 09:54

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Michael Makuei Lueth, has declined a legal petition filed on behalf of former Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, citing concerns over the tone of the submission and its circulation on social media. In a letter dated March 11, 2026, addressed to Advocate Kiir Chol Deng, Minister Makuei confirmed receipt of the petition submitted on March 6. However, he said the petition was written in what he described as “disrespectful, impolite, and uncouth language,” which he said falls below acceptable standards of official communication. The petition had been filed by Advocate Kiir Chol, acting for Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel. It outlined a criminal motion against the Government of South Sudan, seeking several remedies. Among the key requests, the legal team asked the Minister to direct government agencies to justify what they described as the applicant’s incommunicado detention for about 120 days without investigation or trial. The petition also called for access to family members, lawyers, and medical personnel. It further urged authorities to either present the applicant before a competent court or release him if no evidence exists. The advocate argued that former Vice President Dr. Bol Mel was arrested in November 2025 and has since been held without due process. The advocate alleged that his prolonged detention is a violation of constitutional rights, including personal liberty, fair trial, and protection from inhuman treatment. The petition also claims that his properties were seized without a court order and that his health has deteriorated due to lack of adequate medical care. However, Minister Makuei raised concerns that the document was circulated on social media on the same day it was submitted, turning it into a matter of public debate. The minister said the case will not be considered unless Advocate Kiir Chol provides a written explanation and formal apology regarding both the language used and how the petition was leaked to the media. The law firm has not yet publicly responded to the minister’s demands. The case has drawn public attention, raising broader questions about due process, detention practices, and the handling of high-profile legal petitions in South Sudan. President Salva Kiir dismissed Dr. Bol Mel from his positions as Vice President and First Deputy Chairman of the SPLM last year. He was also stripped of his rank as a general in the National Security Service, reduced to private, and subsequently dismissed from the service.