By Yang Ater Yang
A lawyer in Rumbek, James Mourwel, was brutally assaulted on Friday evening after defending a case against forced marriage of a minor.
The attack, which left the lawyer injured, has sparked widespread condemnation.
According to Mourwel, the assault took place near his office around 6:25 PM.
He alleges that a group of individuals in the case, which involved a 14-year-old girl, attacked him in retaliation for his legal representation.
“The girl was under the age of 14 years old, and she was reported to our own office, and we handled the case that had about 3 cases in it. We went to the court and the judgement was given. So, these people came and attacked me later. They came and beat me to the extent of sustaining injuries on my throat, neck and back of the neck and back,” he said.
The Lawyer is currently nursing wounds at the state hospital. He said he would file an assault with the police.
Daniel Laat Kon, State Coordinator for Community Empowerment for Progress Organization condemned the attack, calling it a violation of the rule of law.
He urged authorities to swiftly apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators.
“We condemned such act and we are calling on the government at least to apprehend and bring to book the perpetrators for investigation through procedures in the competent court of law”, he said. “You cannot attack a defense lawyer who is defending a right of an individual”.
He said the perpetrators should be arrested, stating the state has a responsibility to protect the defense lawyers, because “they are licensed, they are authorized by the constitution and other laws in the country.”
Dr. Terran Madit Terran, the Medical Director of Rumbek State Hospital, confirmed that Mourwel was admitted to the hospital with injuries sustained from the assault.
While the lawyer’s condition has stabilized, he remains under observation.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of legal professionals in Rumbek, particularly those who defend vulnerable individuals.
Despite its prohibition by customary laws and a public order was passed in 2022 by Lakes State Revitalized Transitional Legislative Assembly, the State continues to register a rise in cases of forced and early marriages.