FILE PHOTO: Captain Richard Ruei Kuol, the police officer recently featured in a viral video of an assault on a Juba street. (Photo: Eye Radio/File)

The Joint Emergency Court for Organized Forces in Juba has framed charges against Police Captain Richard Ruai Kuol regarding the assault of a civilian, an incident recorded in a video circulated online.

During a session on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the charges were read to the accused in the presence of his legal counsel. Following the reading, the defense lawyer informed the court that the accused entered a plea of not guilty to the allegations.

Proceedings advanced after the court determined that grounds existed for the charges to be presented. Presiding Judge Colonel Wailed Edris adjourned the matter until June 25, 2026, when the court is scheduled to hear the case for the defense.

During a prior hearing on June 20, Captain Richard Ruai told the court he reacted after the civilian insulted him and damaged the side mirror of his vehicle.

Prosecutors maintain the act was deliberate. Prosecution witnesses testified that the assault continued after bystanders attempted to intervene.

The court ruled that the officer’s actions violated Section 66 of the South Sudan Police Service Act, 2009 (Amended 2022), read alongside Section 233(b) of the Penal Code Act, 2008.

The case involves accusations of misconduct under police regulations and the penal code:

• Penal Code Act, 2008 (Section 233): Stipulates that any person convicted of voluntarily causing hurt using weapons or means commits an offense. Penalties include imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, a fine, or both.

• South Sudan Police Service Act, 2009 (Section 66, Amended 2022): Provides that a police officer who breaches duties and obligations in the custody of persons or the protection of property face punishment. Penalties include imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years, a fine, or both, alongside dismissal from service.

The court will examine the arguments and evidence from the prosecution and the defense before rendering a determination.