Former First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny has called on the Special Court to deliver a fair and just verdict in his ongoing trial, despite what he describes as significant political interference. Machar made the remarks during his defense statement at the 120th session of the trial in Juba on Wednesday. He expressed concerns that several court rulings had raised serious doubts about the accused persons' right to a fair trial as guaranteed under Article 19 of South Sudan's 2011 Transitional Constitution.
Machar, a 74-year-old veteran politician, remains hopeful that the Special Court will carefully consider the case and reach a verdict based on the facts and evidence presented. He urged the judges to base their eventual ruling on the evidence rather than on political considerations. Machar described the environment surrounding his trial as "toxic," citing an alleged plot to assassinate him and his co-accused persons and members of the defense team.
The former First Vice President emphasized that the trial could not proceed in a conducive environment unless the alleged assassination plan was properly investigated and addressed. He expressed appreciation to the court for respecting several of the accused persons' rights, including their ability to appear in court in decent clothing and to use pens, papers, and notebooks to follow proceedings and prepare their defense.
Machar and his co-accused face allegations related to the March 2025 violence in Nasir, Upper Nile State. However, Machar and his co-accused have denied the allegations against them. The trial, which has drawn significant national attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused, is being presided over by Judge James Alala Deng, alongside Justices Stephen Simon and Isaac Pur Majok.
The prosecution team comprises 13 lawyers drawn from the Ministry of Justice and other legal institutions. On the defense side, six lawyers are representing the accused, including Dr. Geri Raymond Legge, Kur Lual Kur, and Anis Tombe Augustino. Investigations into the case are being led by Major General Basile Thomas Wani, assisted by Brigadier General John Dak.
Those standing trial alongside Machar include Puot Kang Chuol, Mam Pal Dhuor, Gatwech Lam Puoch, Lt Gen Gabriel Duop Lam, Camilo Gatmai Kel, Mading Yak Riek, and Dominic Gatgok Riek. The court has set October 14, 2026, for Machar to continue his defense statement. Machar challenged several previous court decisions, including rulings concerning audio-visual recording of proceedings, defense access to accused persons, media coverage, and jurisdiction.
The trial's outcome is uncertain, but Machar's call for a fair and just verdict has highlighted concerns about the independence of the judiciary and the administration of justice in South Sudan. The case has significant implications for the country's stability and the rule of law.
Key points
- Dr. Riek Machar Teny calls for a fair and just verdict in his ongoing trial.
- Machar cites concerns over political interference in the trial.
- The trial has drawn significant national attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused.
