Ruling İn South Sudan's 'Coup' Trial On April 30

A South Sudan court on Wednesday set April 30 as a date for issuing a verdict in the trial of four politicians on charges of attempting a coup against the government of President Salva Kiir.



During Wednesday's session, Ezekiel Lul Gatkuoth, South Sudan's former ambassador to the U.S. and one of the four defendants, said he did not have anything to do with the charges leveled against him.



Lul Gatkuoth said he did not participate in any violence against the South Sudanese government.



He added that on the day of the alleged coup, he hurried to policemen in the capital Juba to demand protection, but he was detained along with others.



The four defendants also include Pagan Amum Okech, former secretary-general of the ruling South People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), former security minister Oyai Deng Ajak, and former deputy defense minister Majak D'Agoot.



Last December, Kiir accused his sacked vice president Riek Machar of attempting to stage a coup.



Eleven senior officials and ruling party leaders were consequently rounded up and charged with conspiracy.



Seven have since been released into the custody of the Kenyan president with a view to facilitating ongoing peace talks.



By Atem Simon



englishnews@aa.com.tr - Cuba