South Sudan to try rebel leaders, risking ceasefire

South Sudan says it will put key leaders of an alleged coup it claims triggered weeks of fighting on trial, in a move likely to threaten a fragile ceasefire with rebels. The announcement, made late Tuesday by Justice Minister Paulino Wanawila, underscored the animosity that still reigns between government forces under President Salva Kiir and a...

Prisoners have been divided into three categories: some to be tried, others suspected of involvement but who will be released to a third country -- not yet named -- and others who would be released without charge.

Wanawila late Tuesday repeated the coup allegation against Machar and said some rebel leaders would be tried.

"If someone violates the law you dont go and torture that person, you prosecute that person according to the law," he said.

He said six men were targeted for trial.

Four were in detention: Pagan Amum, former secretary general of the ruling party, ex-national security minister Oyai Deng Ajak, former ambassador to the US Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, and ex-deputy defence minister Majak D’Agoot.

Two others were on the run: chief rebel delegate Taban Deng who signed the ceasefire, as well as Alfred Ladu Gore, an experienced guerrilla fighter and respected leader especially in his home region surrounding the capital Juba.

Kiir has hinted he could use his power to grant amnesties but has said that legal processes must be completed first.

Both sides say the other has already broken the ceasefire, but insist they are committed to the deal.

Government and opposition rebels are still fighting for control in key areas, with the United Nations calling the situation "fragile".

• Politics & Government
• Unrest, Conflicts & War
• Riek Machar

Source http://news.yahoo.com/south-sudan-try-rebel-leaders-risking-ceasefire-104916377.html