A special court in South Sudan on Monday dismissed a defense application seeking live broadcast of proceedings in the ongoing trial of suspended First Vice President Riek Machar, reaffirming its earlier position that hearings will continue without real-time media coverage.
The ruling came after defense lawyer Kur Lual Kur petitioned the court last week to allow televised proceedings, arguing that broader public access would enhance transparency in one of the country’s most closely watched cases.
The defense also requested a one-week adjournment to prepare the accused for judicial questioning.
However, the bench rejected both applications.
Presiding judge Stephen Simon Issac stated that the court had already ruled against live broadcasting and saw no justification to reverse that decision.
He said maintaining restrictions was necessary to safeguard the integrity of the judicial process, protect witnesses, and prevent any potential interference with evidence.
The trial, now in its 72nd session, is being held at Freedom Hall in Juba and has drawn sustained attention from both local and international observers.
Despite repeated calls from media organizations for expanded access, court authorities have maintained tight control over coverage of the proceedings.
Judge James Alala Deng subsequently adjourned the session to May 4, when the court is expected to begin questioning the accused.
Machar, a key opposition figure and former rebel leader, is among eight individuals facing charges in the case.
The list of accused also includes senior political and military figures, underscoring the high-profile nature of the trial.
The prosecution team is led by Counsel General Deng Achuil Adija, alongside Sabri Wani Lado, Serafino Simon Mizan, and Filberto Mayuot Mareng, supported by a wider group of legal officers.
The defense is represented by a six-member legal team comprising Geri Raimondu Lege, Kur Lual Kur, Anis Tombe Augustino, Deng John Deng, Warnyang Kiir Warnyang, and Regina Akeriaw Deng.
Investigations into the case are being led by Major General Basile Thomas Wani, assisted by Brigadier General John Dak, while Captain Richard Gachi Apollo of the Internal Security Service is listed as the complainant.
As the trial moves into the next phase, attention is expected to focus on the court’s questioning of the accused, a critical stage that could shape the direction of the proceedings.
