The eyes of 18-year-old Akuot Agany Kut were gouged by her father over alleged forced marriage. | Photo: Courtesy.

The Gender-Based Violence Court in Juba has resumed hearing a 2023 case involving a 17-year-old girl from Warrap State who was allegedly attacked by her father after refusing an arranged marriage.

The case dates back to April 2023, when the girl’s father, Agany Kut Achuil, a pharmacist who operated a private pharmacy in Warrap State, was arrested over allegations that he gouged out his daughter’s eyes.

The court, presided over by Judge Abu Al-Qasim Al-Sadiq Subi, heard the statement of Mary Akuot Agany on Thursday, followed by testimony from a witness.

The hearing was adjourned until August 18, when the court is expected to hear the statement of the accused.

The alleged attack reportedly occurred after Mary refused to marry a man selected for her.

Following the incident, she was initially taken to Tonj South Hospital before being transferred to Wau Teaching Hospital. She was later flown to Juba and abroad, including Germany, where she received specialized medical treatment and underwent surgeries.

The case sparked national outrage and condemnation from human rights activists and government officials before being transferred to the Gender-Based Violence Court in Juba.

Proceedings have faced delays after the defense challenged the handling and jurisdiction of the case. The Court of Appeal allowed the use of a Dinka Rek interpreter but rejected a request to transfer the case to Warrap State.

The defense subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court, where the matter remained pending for more than a year without a ruling.

Legal advocates say the prolonged delays highlight wider challenges within South Sudan’s justice system, including limited judicial capacity and a shortage of judges.

Civil society and women’s rights groups have called for the case to proceed without further delay, warning that prolonged proceedings in gender-based violence cases could undermine public confidence in the justice system.