A legal dispute over public access to courtroom proceedings is set to be decided by the court as hearings in the ongoing trial involving First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon and co-accused continue in Juba.
The court is expected to rule on an application filed by the defence team seeking permission for future sessions to be broadcast live on the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), a request they argue would enhance transparency and public confidence in the judicial process.
During recent proceedings, the defence also requested additional time to finalize preparations for the accused ahead of questioning by the judicial panel.
The team further urged the court to allow full public access to the hearings, citing the importance of openness in a case of significant national interest.
However, the prosecution opposed the requests, maintaining that court proceedings should proceed without delay and cautioning that live broadcasting could present security concerns, including the potential mobilisation of supporters outside the courtroom.
Presiding Judge James Alala Deng adjourned the matter, indicating that the panel will deliver its ruling on the defence applications during the next scheduled session.
The trial, now at its 71st session, has reached a critical stage following the prosecution’s closure of its case and the conclusion of cross-examination of its final witness, a digital forensics expert.
The defence is now preparing its response as the court weighs procedural and access-related requests.
The matter is expected to resume on April 27, when the court will determine whether the proceedings will be opened to live public broadcasting or continue under restricted coverage.
