25 August 2022

Today there has been the trial for the young man who shot the local chief in Nimule.  Another young man took photos at the scene and was also on trial.  The incident happened in broad daylight, right next to the local police station, in front of a meeting of many people from many different tribes who had come to resolve local unrest.  There was no shortage of witnesses for the prosecution.

What can have been in their minds?  Were they intent on being arrested?  Did they consider the likelihood that they would be executed?  Most importantly, did they consider the state of their souls?  The only question I can think of which might have given mitigating circumstances is, are they both insane and completely incompetent to stand trial?  I am sure many other questions could also be asked.

My colleagues feel sorry for the defence lawyer, who would not be able to find any way to defend the actions of these two young men.  I doubt if there was any chance of a plea of insanity as there are no psychologists around here.  The verdict was the death sentence for the young man who killed the chief.  The young man who took the photo has been sentenced to three years in prison. 

The Pope has called recently for the abolition of the death sentence worldwide.  Most countries have already abolished it, but trust South Sudan to be behind the times.  Violence begets violence, as happens all the time here.  There is no doubt in my mind that the cycle will continue, especially in a society addicted to vengeance.

Lord have mercy on the souls of these two young men and give the condemned man a chance to repent before he dies.  Every night before I sleep I say the Divine Mercy Chaplet and often it becomes a matter of routine, without much meaning.  Today, I ask God, who knows the answers to all the questions I have posed, and who will be the final judge, to be merciful.  Without doubt this young man has been let down in his upbringing, schooling and friendships.  Help those who have aided and abetted him and given him a gun, to see what they have done and repent.  Amen

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