South Sudan’s first vice president Riek Machar’s Trial Adjourned as Defense Challenges Court Authority

‎By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan

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‎The criminal trial of South Sudan’s suspended First Vice President, Riek Machar, commenced on Monday. This marked Machar’s first public appearance since his house arrest in March, as he stood in a defendant’s cage alongside seven co-accused.

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‎The special court in Juba postponed proceedings until Tuesday after Machar’s defense team formally challenged the court’s authority and composition. The hearing, which was broadcast nationally for three hours, was adjourned to allow the prosecution to prepare written responses to four main objections raised by the defense.

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‎Machar’s legal team, led by Dr. Geri Raimondo Legge, along with Attorneys Kur Lual Kur, Anis Tombe Augustino, Deng John Deng, Warnyang Kiir Warnyang, and Regina Deng, questioned the court’s legitimacy. They argued it lacks the competence and jurisdiction to preside over the case, as Machar is protected under the 2018 peace agreement. They also objected to private lawyers being part of the prosecution team and cited Machar’s legal immunity as the sitting First Vice President.

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‎Presiding Judge James Alala Deng approved the defense’s request for written responses from the prosecution. The three-judge panel, including Judge Stephen Simon and Judge Isaac Pur Majak, will review these submissions before deciding on the next steps.

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‎Machar, along with the others, faces serious charges including treason, crimes against humanity, and terrorism, stemming from an alleged attack on a government garrison earlier this year. The court’s ruling on the defense’s objections will be pivotal in determining the trial’s future.

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