Speaking during a press conference hail in Juba on Thursday afternoon, Luanyjang Community leader Mathew Mathiang Magordit denied the involvement of the community in any threats and warned that the minister’s accusations could be considered defamatory.
“This unverified accusation and generalization amount to character assassination and tarnishing the good image of Luanyjang community. [We] demand Hon. Awut to produce an official letter written by Luanyjang threatening to kill her,” Magordit said.
He urged Acuil to aid in identifying the individuals behind the alleged threats.
On March 8, Acuil held a press conference claiming she received a life-threatening letter believed to be from members of the Luanyjang community. She called on security sectors to investigate the threat.
“I hereby, make it clear that any life threats; whether written or verbal is a criminal offence,” Acuil said on March 8.
Acuil represents Tonj East County in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly hails from the Luanyjang community.
Magordit said the community found no evidence of an official letter threatening the minister.
“The Minister is our leader, our daughter and our wife and if there is any of such, it is surprising to Luanyjang community,” he said.
In February 2021, a group of Luanyjang community youths accused Acuil of preventing students in Tonj East County from taking exams. Acuil filed a lawsuit against the youth leaders in 2022.
Magordit said the community is aware of the ongoing court case but denies any plot to harm the minister.