A special court in Juba has rejected a request by former First Vice President Riek Machar to present video footage of public statements made by senior government officials before and after his arrest.
The ruling was delivered on Friday during the 123rd session of the Special Court on the Incident of Nasir, where Machar and seven other SPLM/A-IO members are facing charges linked to the Nasir incident.
Machar’s defence had sought permission to present the footage, arguing that the statements, made during the funeral and state burial of the late Gen. David Majur Dak, were relevant to his defence.
Presiding judge James Alala Deng said the application was premature, explaining that the proceedings had not yet reached the stage at which the proposed evidence could be considered.
“The evidence would be considered at the appropriate stage of the proceedings, and the accused will have an opportunity to respond in accordance with applicable procedures,” Alala said, according to a statement issued by the SPLM/A-IO.
The court also announced that its investigation into an alleged assassination plot targeting Machar, his defence lawyers and the seven co-accused had concluded.
However, the court reportedly directed the accused and their legal representatives to pursue the matter separately through the police and the Office of the Attorney General.
The court further said the defence team would receive copies of the rulings delivered in the case.
Proceedings were adjourned until Monday, October 26, when Machar is expected to continue giving his defence testimony.
