Machar trial adjourned as court reviews defence objection

JUBA – The trial of suspended First Vice President Dr Riek Machar was on Friday adjourned to next week after the court said it needed more time to consider objections raised by the defence team.

During the 53rd session held in Juba, lawyers representing Dr Machar challenged Prosecution Document 9-E, which relates to a diplomatic bag said to contain key evidence in the case. The defence questioned both the admissibility of the document and the authority of the expert who presented it.

Dr Geri Raimondu Lege, one of the defence lawyers, argued that the expert witness lacked jurisdiction and maintained that the materials presented before the court were “null and void.” The objection forms part of a broader legal challenge mounted by the defence regarding the handling and authenticity of evidence.

Presiding Judge James Alala Deng announced that the court would adjourn proceedings until Wednesday, February 25, 2026, to allow the panel sufficient time to study the latest objection. He specifically noted that the defence application references provisions of South Africa’s Cybercrime Act of 2020, which the court must carefully examine before making a ruling.

“The last objection of the defence team has not been studied, so we shall give ourselves time to study it,” Judge Deng said.

Dr Machar, who is in his early seventies, is standing trial alongside seven other co-accused. They face serious charges, including treason, crimes against humanity, mass murder, terrorism, and destruction of property. The allegations stem from a March 2025 attack on an army base in Nasir, which reportedly led to the deaths of a senior officer identified as Majur and dozens of soldiers.

The three-judge panel hearing the case comprises Presiding Judge James Alala Deng, alongside Judges Stephen Simon Isaac and Pur Majok. The prosecution team includes 13 lawyers drawn from the Ministry of Justice and other legal offices.

Among them are Counsel General Deng Achuil Adija, Dr Sabri Wani Lado, Serafino Simon Mizan, and Filberto Mayuot Mareng. They are supported by several advocates and legal officers, including Ajo Onyo Issa, Gabriel Mading Apach, Deng Mabior Deng, Philip Anyang Ngong, Ajak Mayol Bior, Martha Jobet Jermaiha, James Bone Michael, Peter Garang, and Butrouse Yai Adhiew.

The defence team is composed of six lawyers: Dr Geri Raimondu Lege, Kur Lual Kur, Anis Tombe Augustino, Deng John Deng, Warnyang Kiir Warnyang, and Regina Akeriaw Deng.

Investigators assisting the prosecution include Brigadier General John Dak and Major General Basile Thomas Wani, who is serving as lead investigator. Captain Richard Gachi Apollo of the Internal Security Service is listed as the complainant in the case.

The eight defendants are Puot Kang Chuol, 40; Mam Pal Dhuor, 37; Gatwech Lam Puoch, 66; Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, 53; Dr Riek Machar Teny, 73; Camilo Gatmai Kel, 47; Mading Yak Riek, 45; and Dominic Gatgok Riek, 27.

The trial is expected to resume next week once the court delivers its ruling on the defence’s objection.