The accused Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam has urged the Special Court in Juba to remain independent and deliver its verdict without political influence as he concluded his defence in the high-profile trial involving suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and other co-accused.
Speaking during the 103rd court session on Monday, Duop appealed to the judges to “stand firm against all forms of political intimidation, political blackmail and political manoeuvring,” saying the court should deliver a transparent and impartial judgment “without fear or favour.”
Duop, the fourth co-accused in the case, also asked the court to restore his rights and order his release, arguing that he has been arbitrarily detained for one year and four months.
He maintained that prosecutors failed to produce operational orders, communications or forensic evidence linking him to the alleged attack on the SSPDF garrison in Nasir, Upper Nile State.
The acting chief of staff of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) further told the court that Dr. Machar never issued an operational order directing SPLA-IO forces to attack government troops in Nasir.
“In a military system, orders are top-down. I did not receive any operation order from the SPLA-IO Commander-in-Chief to attack SSPDF in Nasir,” Duop said, dismissing the prosecution’s case as politically motivated and unsupported by credible evidence.
He added that the SPLA-IO leadership had sought to prevent clashes between government forces and local youth but alleged that their peace partner opted for a military response instead.
The Special Court adjourned proceedings until Wednesday, August 5, when judges are expected to continue examining Duop’s defence before the trial resumes.
