JUBA — The minister of justice and constitutional affairs, Hon. Justice Michael Makuei Lueth, has officially refused to review a legal petition filed on behalf of Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, citing the use of “disrespectful, impolite, and uncouth language” and condemning the legal team for leaking the document to social media.
The standoff leaves Dr. Bol Mel—a highly prominent political and business figure (Note: correcting your draft here, as he is a Senior Presidential Envoy and businessman, not a former Vice President)—in continued legal limbo as he reportedly remains under house arrest without being formally arraigned in court.
The Ministry’s Ultimatum
The official pushback was delivered in a formal letter dated March 11, 2026, addressed directly to Adv. Kiir Chol Deng of Kiirdit & Co. Advocates, the law firm representing Dr. Bol Mel.
In the letter, Minister Makuei acknowledged receipt of the March 6 criminal motion but outright declined to consider the client’s case based on two primary grievances:
- “Disrespectful” Tone: The Minister took deep offense to the wording of the petition. He specifically quoted the phrase “that this honorable Minister advises…” as an example of language that is “unbecoming and not acceptable in all standards.”
- Trial by Social Media: Makuei sharply criticized the legal team for allowing the petition to circulate online on the exact same day it was submitted. He argued that by turning the petition into an “issue for public discussion and judgment,” the matter is “no longer in the hands of the Ministry”.
Demanding Accountability
Before any legal proceedings regarding Dr. Bol Mel’s detention can resume at the Ministry level, Minister Makuei has issued a strict ultimatum.
The case will not be considered until Kiirdit & Co. Advocates submit a formal, written explanation and apology regarding both the “impolite and inappropriate” tone of the petition and a clear accounting of exactly how—and by whom—the March 6 document was leaked to the media.
It currently remains unclear whether Adv. Kiir Chol will comply with the Minister’s demands to secure a hearing for his client.