The Special Court trying suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused on Wednesday adjourned proceedings until Friday after a technical setback delayed the presentation of key forensic evidence.
The 44th session had been scheduled to hear testimony from a foreign forensic expert from South Africa, expected to be the prosecution’s final witness.
However, the session could not proceed after technicians responsible for operating the court’s live broadcast system reportedly fell ill, disrupting the display and streaming equipment.
Technicians from the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), which manages the court’s live transmission, became unwell a day before the hearing, leading to the failure of the screen required for presenting electronic evidence.
Presiding Judge James Alala Deng said the court could not continue without the visual system in place, stressing the importance of ensuring accurate and undistorted testimony.
“We have resolved that if the screen is not ready, we have to adjourn the session because the testimony should not be distorted,” Judge Deng told the court, announcing the adjournment to Friday, January 30.
The Special Court is hearing a case against eight SPLM-IO officials, including Dr. Machar, involving the examination of electronic devices allegedly linked to the accused.
Proceedings had been reopened to the media and the public following earlier in-camera sessions for witnesses who requested identity protection.
The court is expected to resume on Friday to hear the delayed forensic testimony, pending restoration of the technical systems required for the live broadcast.
