South Sudan’s First Vice President and opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar has asked the court hearing his case to allow audio and video recording of his defense testimony, saying the move would help preserve the proceedings and improve the accuracy of the trial record.
Machar initially raised the request while presenting his defense testimony, before his legal team submitted a formal written application seeking permission from the court to record the remaining proceedings.
Addressing the bench, Machar said the case carried significant legal and historical importance and urged the court to make greater use of available technology.
“There is no question that this high-profile case carries exceptionally high stakes,” Machar told the court. “It is my respectful request that the court ensure we make maximum use of current technology to our advantage.”
He also referred to a recent donation of 11 laptop computers to the Judiciary by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), saying the equipment could support efforts to digitize the judicial system.
“It is my hope and prayer that we initiate this reform today,” he said.
Machar further asked the court to allow his defense team to use audio and video recordings in the courtroom, similar to recordings already used by the prosecution and the bench.
He also proposed submitting copies of his written statement at the beginning of each session to reduce the burden of transcribing his lengthy testimony.
“This proposal is intended to relieve Your Lordships from the burden of transcribing my lengthy submissions, should the Court be so inclined,” Machar said.
The former rebel leader gave four reasons for seeking the recordings: saving time, preserving the proceedings for future generations, creating a record for academic and legal reference, and protecting the integrity of his testimony.
He said the recordings could eventually allow the proceedings to be broadcast or reproduced in full when the political and security environment permits.
“For the sake of posterity, so that one day when the political and security climate is conducive the proceedings of this trial may be broadcast on television or radio and printed verbatim in the media for the people of South Sudan to know the truth,” he said.
Machar also argued that the case could serve as a significant legal precedent because it involves the trial of a sitting First Vice President.
He said recordings would additionally help maintain the chain of custody of testimony and guard against unauthorized alterations or manipulation of evidence.
The defense subsequently filed a formal written application requesting authorization to record Machar’s remaining testimony.
The lawyers argued that access to the recordings would help them compare the oral testimony with the official court transcript, identify possible discrepancies and prepare their legal submissions.
The prosecution acknowledged receiving the application and asked the court for permission to submit a written response at the next session. The defense did not object.
Judge Stephen Simon Binjigwa said the court would continue hearing Machar’s defense testimony while awaiting the prosecution’s response.
The court is expected to consider the prosecution’s position before ruling on the defense application.
The trial has been adjourned until Monday, August 10, when Machar is expected to continue presenting his defense statement.
