The Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO) has issued a strong appeal to national authorities, urging immediate action to ensure the safety and protection of all defense teams involved in ongoing politically sensitive court proceedings.
In a public statement, CEPO’s Executive Director, Edmund Yakani, emphasized the importance of safeguarding every individual participating in the judicial process, judges, prosecutors, defense lawyers, and witnesses — regardless of which party they represent.
“No judge, no defense lawyer, no prosecutor is to be intimidated… no witness harassed or eliminated,” Yakani stated, warning that rising tensions in the courtroom must not compromise the integrity of justice.
The appeal comes against the backdrop of highly charged legal battles in Juba, including the ongoing trial of suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and several senior opposition figures, which has drawn intense domestic and international attention.
The proceedings — seen as a major test of South Sudan’s judicial independence — have been marked by heightened security, public demonstrations, and polarized narratives from both government and opposition supporters.
Human rights groups and legal observers have repeatedly raised concerns about potential intimidation of defense teams and witnesses in cases involving high-profile political actors.
CEPO stressed that equal protection must be guaranteed for all parties, whether aligned with the government or the opposition, as a fundamental pillar of the rule of law and a necessary condition for maintaining public trust in the judiciary.
Yakani also appealed to citizens, media, and civil society to approach court access with responsibility.
“Let’s safeguard our right to access the court by demonstrating our responsibility,” he urged.
CEPO said it will continue to monitor the situation closely, advocating for judicial independence, transparency, and the protection of legal professionals and witnesses to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done.
