The trial of suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused has been adjourned until Wednesday after the presiding judge reiterated his order for independent media and public access to the courtroom.
During Tuesday’s brief session, Judge James Alala underscored that transparency is critical to the integrity of the proceedings, which have drawn intense local and international scrutiny.
“We would like to inform the audience that the court is open to the public. I mentioned this yesterday [Monday] that now the public hearing means citizens are allowed to access the court. Media, all media houses are allowed to access the court and report. They know how to report and what they are reporting. No way to close or to block any media house that is coming or any other interested citizen. So, this must be clear,” said Judge Alala.
He stressed that the presence of independent journalists and public observers would “guarantee fairness and accountability” in handling one of the most politically charged cases in South Sudan’s recent history.
Court administrators are now expected to make arrangements to accommodate accredited media outlets before the trial resumes midweek.
The adjournment comes as international human rights organizations and the United Nations continue to call for the case to meet international standards of justice.
