Lakes State High Court rules in favor of reinstatement and compensation for unjustly detained teachers

In a significant ruling, the Lakes State High Court has instructed the Ministry to reinstate four terminated teachers to their respective duties. The Ministry has also been ordered to pay their arrears starting from the date of their termination, with ongoing salaries.

In addition, the court has asked the Ministry to pay a monetary compensation of 190,000 SSP per teacher. Furthermore, the Ministry is also going to pay a court fee of over 1 million South Sudan Pounds.

The decision comes after the teachers, who were unjustly arrested and detained in Panda Military Barack, Rumbek Main Prison, and State Police Detention Facility for 65 days, appealed to the court for justice.

The court’s decision was received with gratitude and honor from one of the victims, Ustaz Makur Nyot, who stated that the value of justice was more important than any material gain.

Nyot thanked the Lakes State High Court for the decision and acknowledged the efforts of the defense lawyer, Malith Jokthiang, who represented the unjustly detained teachers. “We encountered a lot of challenges and myths. No one really believed that we would arrive at this point of success today, but with support from good-hearted people: parents, students, and civil society groups, we have made it today”, Nyot added.

The ruling is seen as a victory for teachers’ rights and quality education across Lakes State and a landmark in putting an end to intimidation and brutality towards teachers. The decision will serve as a reminder to those who would violate the rights of teachers that justice will be served.