South Sudan soldiers charged in hotel attack say not guilty

JUBA, South Sudan –  The 12 South Sudanese soldiers charged in a horrific attack on foreign aid workers last year during the country's civil war have pleaded not guilty.

Nine soldiers are charged with murder, rape and looting in the assault on the Terrain hotel compound in the capital, Juba, in July. The other three face charges including looting, trespassing and theft.

All 12 turned in pleas Tuesday. The accused include an army company commander and several sergeants.

If convicted of rape, the soldiers could face up to 14 years in prison. If convicted of murder, they could be sentenced to death.

The prosecution has submitted statements from 60 witnesses along with the death certificate for the local journalist who was shot dead and the medical records of people who said they were raped.