It’s jail or freedom for Abraham Chol

A special high court in Juba will determine the fate of the self-proclaimed prophet Abraham Chol in a case pitting him against the state.

Chol was charged with trying to topple the government, charges that were later dropped.

The charge sheet was amended and he’s now being accused of insulting the president and abuse of religion.

He has prophesied in June 2021 that president Salva Kiir and First Vive President Riek Machar would leave power on the eve of independence day. The prophecy never came to pass.

The lead prosecutor, Latjor Kueth Jal, said the session would be crucial to making the final determination on the case.

“We appealed to the Court of Appeal regarding the deleted articles, and if the court took the file to the Court of Appeal, the accused Abraham Chol will be tried with three charges, or if the file remains in court, he will be tried with only two charges – insulting the President of the Republic and exploitation of religion,” Latjor said.

He said whichever way the verdict goes; an aggrieved party will be allowed to appeal the ruling in 15 days.

Chol and his co-accused were facing charges of attempting to influence a regime change when he made a controversial prophecy detailing the transitional government’s demise. 

He defended his controversial proclamation arguing that they were based on the bible.