“What changed overnight to turn Stephen Par into an angel? He Accepted Their Surrender Agenda" Puot Kang Claims as He Questions Co-Accused’s Release in High-Profile Treason Trial

Suspended Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol has alleged that a fellow SPLM-IO official secured his release from detention after accepting what he described as a government-backed “surrender” agenda, deepening the political controversy surrounding one of South Sudan’s most closely watched court cases. WATCH FULL VIDEO.

Speaking before the Special Court during the 82nd session of proceedings at Freedom Hall in Juba on Monday, Puot used his testimony to challenge both the evidence against him and the circumstances surrounding the release of Stephen Par Kuol, a member of the SPLM-IO Political Bureau.

According to Puot, Stephen Par was arrested on the same day as him and Brigadier General Camilo Gatmai and detained at the National Security Service’s Blue House facility under similar circumstances.

However, Puot told the court that Par was unexpectedly released the following morning after receiving a visit from an officer while in detention.

“One can only speculate and conclude that he was released because he agreed to accept the agenda of our peace partner—who is also our accuser and prosecutor,” Puot told the panel of judges.

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