The government says it will press charges of treason against only the masterminds of the December 15 incident, which it describes as an attempted coup.

Former Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, former governor of Unity state, Taban Deng Gai and former Minister, Alfred Lado Gore will be tried for treason in their absence.

Seven other individuals have been listed to answer charges of subverting the government, terrorism and malicious damage.

The decision comes after investigations into the matter were completed earlier this week, Justice Minister Paulino Unango Wanawila said.

Mr Wanawila said the results of their investigations show that the December incident was a coup attempt.

“After making our investigation, we divided the group into three categories,” he read out the findings.

“The first category is the people who actually planned, and then put into place the execution of the military coup that failed.

“We put those people in category A; they are: Dr. Riek MAchar Teny, he is at large, Taban Deng Gai, he is at large, Alfred Ladu Gore, is at large, Uyai Deng Ajak, arrested, Pagan Amum, arrested, Dr. Majak D Agot, arrested, Izekiel Lul Gatkuoth, under arrest.

“And we believe that these people have a case to answer before the court for planning and carrying out the coup.”

Mr. Wanawila said the investigations found that there are individuals who were discontented with the government but never directly participated in a coup attempt.

“As for group B, whom I say may have been unhappy with the government but did not succeed in mobilizing the public.

“This group includes; Deng Alor Kuol, Gier Chuong Aluong, Dr. Cirino Hiteng, John Luk Jok, Madut Diar Yel, Chol Tong Mayaya, Kosti Manibe, and Dr. Peter Adwok Nyaba.

“There is another category; this is someone called Khamis Abdul Atif. This guy was said to be a member of the group, but after investigating him, we have recommended that this guy in group C, should be released.

“To group B, because we don’t have sufficient evidence against them, we are going to make a conditional release for them on bail.

“As for the first category, A, I think that there is enough ….to take them before the court.”

The Justice Minister said Deng Alor Kuol, Jeer Chuong Along, Dr. Cirino Hiteng, John Luk Jok,  Madut Biar Yel, Chol Tong Mayay, Kosti Manibe, and Dr. Peter Adwok Nyaba will be released and taken abroad for their safety.

He said a neighboring country has agreed to host them but he did not name it.

Mr. Wonawilla said there is evidence linking the December 15th incident to an attempted coup.

Wonawilla also said one of the principal accused, Taban Deng Gai, facilitated the plan by funding it.

The charges against the three principal people accused of leading the supposed coup, who are at large, will remain open until they stand trial in the courts of law.

He said the accused remain innocent until proven guilty and they have a right to be represented by their lawyers while they stand trial.

The 11 are accused of causing political unrest six weeks ago.

But the former Vice President and his team have denied planning or carrying out any coup in the country.

Dr. Riek accused the government of framing him to silence discontent within the ruling party, the SPLM.