The 33 convicts were charged with malicious damage, unlawful assembly, and inciting violence during the protests in December 2021. They protested against the security while enforcing COVID-19 restrictions.
Lawyers representing 33 people who were convicted and sentenced for taking part in protests in Pader town have protested including more witnesses in the appeal case.
The 33 convicts were charged with malicious damage, unlawful assembly, and inciting violence during the protests in December 2021. They protested against the security while enforcing COVID-19 restrictions.
They were convicted in March last year, and received sentences ranging from 18 to 21 months, with 13 already having served their terms, one deceased, and 19 still incarcerated in Pader Prison.
The convicts immediately filed an appeal through their lawyer, Geoffrey Boris Anyuru of M/s Odongo and Co. Advocates, citing irregularities in the ruling by the lower court.
During the hearing at
the Kitgum High Court on Wednesday presided over by Justice Phillip Mwaka, Resident State Attorney Hamza Muzige raised a
preliminary objection, requesting the dismissal of the appeal. He argued that
the appellants had failed to appear in court on five occasions, relying solely
on their lawyer, Geoffrey Anyuru.
Muzige stated, "The repeated
absence of the appellants demonstrates a lack of interest in the appeal
process. The court should dismiss the appeal to avoid further delays."
But Anyuru rejected, urging the court to either proceed in the absence of the
appellants or dismiss the objection altogether. "The appellants remain
committed to the process, and dismissing the case would deny them the justice
they seek," he argued.
He also protested including the Pader Town Councilor Okello Bosco, Pader District
Vice-Chairperson Ocen Justine, and Pader Town GISO Anywar David as new witnesses.
//Cue in: “We were shocked…
Cue out. … and rule of law.”//
Justice Mwaka adjourned to January 15th when he will rule on the inclusion of the new witnesses.
Kinyera Lakomekec
Freelancer