The Special Court in South Sudan has dismissed a request by Dr. Riek Machar, the fifth accused, to play video footage during his trial. The decision was made during Court Session 123 on Friday, October 23, 2026, after arguments between the prosecution and defence. The prosecution argued that Dr. Machar should focus on responding to the charges against him, while the defence counsel, Dr. Geri Raimondo, maintained that the videos could expose the matter to the wider public.
The judge ruled that the proceedings had not yet reached the stage of framing the charges, and therefore, the application was premature. The court explained that the accused must first understand the specific allegations against him and respond through the established legal process. The judge further stated that subsequent stages could involve the presentation of evidence and the questioning of witnesses, where applicable.
Dr. Machar was directed to concentrate on his charges and comply with courtroom rules. The judge also cautioned him against repeatedly commenting on matters already decided, stressing that arguments should remain relevant to the issues before the court. The dispute also prompted the judge to question the legal provisions cited by Dr. Geri in support of the application.
The judge described the provisions cited by the defence counsel as irrelevant and potentially misleading to the court and the public. The judge further emphasised the importance of integrity and adequate preparation when presenting legal arguments. However, the available notes do not identify the specific constitutional article or statutory sections cited by the defence counsel.
After considering the arguments, the court dismissed the application as premature, declining to allow the videos at this stage. The court also addressed an investigation into an alleged threat, stating that it had been completed and would be referred to the relevant authorities. The court indicated that copies of previous decisions would be provided to the parties.
The court adjourned the proceedings to Monday, October 26, 2026, when the examination of the fifth accused is expected to continue. Dr. Machar is one of the accused in the ongoing trial, and his defence team had argued that the video footage was essential to the case. The trial is being closely watched by the public and the media.
The Special Court's decision is a significant development in the trial, and it remains to be seen how the case will unfold. The court's ruling has been met with interest from various stakeholders, including the public, the media, and the international community. The trial is expected to continue on Monday, October 26, 2026.
Key points
- The Special Court in South Sudan has rejected a request by Dr. Riek Machar to play video footage in his ongoing trial.
- The court ruled that the application was premature, as the proceedings had not yet reached the stage of framing the charges.
- The trial is expected to continue on Monday, October 26, 2026, with the examination of the fifth accused.
