South Sudan’s High Court in Juba has sentenced four men to 14 years in prison for their involvement in a gang rape case that shocked the nation.

In its ruling delivered on Thursday, the court confirmed that the four adult offenders would each serve 14 years behind bars. Two additional perpetrators, identified as adolescents at the time of the crime, were sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, with the court recognising their age and maturity level when determining the penalty.

The case centred on a 16-year-old survivor who was assaulted in June 2025. The incident sparked widespread public outrage and led to rare protests across the country, as many citizens demanded justice and stronger protections for women and girls.

The High Court’s decision has been widely welcomed by civil society organisations and women’s rights advocates, who see the ruling as a significant step towards accountability in cases of sexual violence. Many believe it could mark a turning point in how gender-based violence is addressed in South Sudan, reinforcing the need for stronger legal protections and social support for survivors.

Advocacy groups say the judgement has strengthened morale among organisations working to empower women and girls, while also helping shift public perception of gender-based violence — increasingly recognised not as a private matter, but as a serious criminal act.

The survivor has since given birth to a baby girl. Her father has stated that while the identity of the child’s biological father remains unknown, the family will continue to support both mother and child as they move forward from the ordeal.

Observers note that the case has prompted broader national reflection, with growing recognition that sexual violence affects individuals and communities regardless of background, and that justice and protection must be strengthened for all women and girls.