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Published on 2024-03-11 16:12:05
Peter Biar Ajak’s court hearing on bail bond in the United States Federal Court in Phoenix has been rescheduled for Friday, March 15, 2024, at 10:00 am. Originally set for March 8, the hearing was postponed to allow Ajak’s legal team ample time to present their case to the Federal Judge overseeing both Ajak and Abraham Keech’s matters.
Ajak, a US-based South Sudanese political activist, is facing charges of violating export controls. The US Justice Department disclosed that he allegedly conspired to send millions of dollars worth of weapons to South Sudan. The weapons included rifles, grenade launchers, Stinger missile systems, hand grenades, and ammunition. Ajak was arrested alongside fellow political activist Abraham Chol Keech.
The Assistant Attorney General, Matthew Olsen, stated that both Ajak and Keech attempted to smuggle heavy weapons and ammunition from the US to South Sudan, a country under a UN arms embargo due to ongoing violence. The criminal complaint indicated that between February 2023 and February 2024, the pair tried to illegally purchase weapons from undercover law enforcement agents and smuggle them to South Sudan through a third country. They allegedly disguised an arms contract worth nearly $4 million as a humanitarian assistance contract.
If convicted of violating the Arms Export Control Act, Ajak and Keech could face up to 20 years in prison. Additionally, they could face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty of violating the Export Control Reform Act. The legal proceedings for both individuals have garnered significant attention and speculation as the case unfolds.
The postponement of Ajak’s court hearing has added to the anticipation surrounding the outcome of the case. With the hearing now set for March 15, it allows Ajak’s legal team more time to prepare and present a robust defense for their client. The gravity of the charges against Ajak and Keech underscores the seriousness of the accusations and the potential consequences they face if found guilty.
As the legal proceedings continue, the spotlight remains on Peter Biar Ajak and Abraham Chol Keech as they navigate the intricacies of the US justice system. The implications of the case extend beyond their individual circumstances to the broader context of arms control and humanitarian efforts in conflict-affected regions like South Sudan. The outcome of the upcoming court hearing will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the future trajectory of the case and the lives of those involved.
Overall, the rescheduled court hearing for Peter Biar Ajak is a pivotal moment in a complex legal saga that raises important questions about international arms trafficking and the legal obligations of individuals involved in such activities. The outcome of the hearing will ultimately determine the fate of Ajak and Keech and shed light on the broader implications of their alleged actions.
Read the original article on Talk of Juba
