The special court in South Sudan has taken swift action to address security concerns raised by the defense team of Dr. Riek Machar and his co-accused. During its 118th session, the court ordered an immediate investigation into the alleged threats and directed that enhanced security measures be put in place to ensure the safety of the accused persons and their defense lawyers. This decision was made by Presiding Judge Dr. James Alala Deng, who emphasized the court's commitment to protecting the rights and safety of all parties involved.
As part of the security measures, the court has barred all court police personnel whose names have been mentioned in connection with the ongoing investigation from attending court sessions with immediate effect. Additionally, the court has ordered security forces to be deployed to the courthouse to provide escort services to the accused persons and their defense lawyers while they are traveling to and from the court. The security personnel have been instructed to secure the routes used by the accused and their legal representatives, clearing and adequately securing the roads along the way.
The court's directives were in response to a defense application that raised concerns over an alleged assassination plot against Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, his co-accused, and members of their legal team. The defense had sought measures to protect those involved in the proceedings, prompting the court to take swift action to address the security concerns. The investigation into the reported threats is ongoing, and the court has emphasized that its findings will be communicated in due course.
In addition to the security measures, the court has directed that security protection be provided for defense lawyers representing Dr. Machar and the other accused persons as they travel to and from the courthouse. As an added precaution, the eight SPLM/A-IO accused persons and their defense lawyers have been directed not to occupy their usual designated seats during court sessions. Instead, they have been allowed to choose alternative seats within the courtroom gallery until the investigation into the reported security threats is completed.
The court's proceedings were later adjourned until Friday, October 2, 2026, when the judicial panel is expected to rule on two pending applications. The first application concerns the constitutional right of the accused persons to legal counsel and issues surrounding their representation during the proceedings. The second application, filed by the prosecution, seeks to prevent the remaining four accused persons, including Dr. Machar, from presenting defense testimony in both written and oral form.
The issue of the accused persons' right to present defense testimony has arisen after the first four accused persons in the case were previously allowed to present their defense testimony. The court's rulings on the two applications are expected to determine the next stage of proceedings for the remaining accused. Until then, the court has placed immediate emphasis on security arrangements around the proceedings, with an investigation continuing into the concerns raised by the defense.
The court's decision to prioritize security measures and investigate reported threats underscores its commitment to ensuring a fair and safe trial for all parties involved. The case against Dr. Riek Machar and his co-accused is being closely watched, and the court's actions are seen as a critical step in upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights in South Sudan.
Key points
- The special court in South Sudan has ordered an immediate investigation into reported threats against Dr. Riek Machar and his defense team.
- The court has directed enhanced security measures to ensure the safety of the accused persons and their defense lawyers.
- The court's proceedings have been adjourned until October 2, 2026, pending rulings on two pending applications.
