By Yien Gattuor

Authorities in Leer County, Unity State, said it will start the trial of 50 criminal cases of murders, abductions, and forced marriages on April 19.

This is the first time that suspected criminals shall be arraigned in court in the area in over a decade.

It marks a critical step towards the restoration of justice in the southern part of Unity State.

Speaking to The City Review, UNMISS Rule of Law Officer, Natalie Mazur, said the formal justice system in the area has been non-operational since 2013.

“The 50 cases of criminals have been waiting for justice in Leer County for 11 years since 2013,” he said.

“A mobile court is scheduled for deployment in Leer County from Tuesday, April 15 to May 9, with two High Court judges to preside over the cases.

Meanwhile, Simon Wal, the resident of Leer town, said that the presence of justice and accountability would help to combat the crime rate in the community.

“I am so happy indeed for the coming of the mobile court to us next week on Tuesday 15 according to what I have heard and witnesses from UNMISS department of Rules of laws,” Mr. Wal said.

In March, 20 national police officers were trained to improve their investigative skills as they arrival of a mobile court in Leer County.

The training is an initiative by the state police, with its organization being supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the Multi-Partner Trust Fund and the Norwegian Embassy in Juba.

“We want police officers to become good at handling the kind of cases that are common here, like sexual and gender-based violence and other conflict-related human rights violations. Their thorough investigations will lay the groundwork for the upcoming mobile court to hear and judge cases,” explained John Bhudha, a Justice Advisor serving with UNMISS.