The Special Court hearing the case against suspended First Vice President Riek Machar and seven co-accused members of the SPLM-IO has adjourned proceedings to February 25 following a dispute over the admissibility of prosecution evidence.
Chief Judge James Alala said the tribunal required additional time to review objections raised by the defence, which challenged a document submitted by prosecutors and titled “Diplomatic Bag.”
The letter originated from the South Sudan Embassy in Pretoria.
Defence lawyers argued that the document was obtained and submitted without following due process, insisting it should not be admitted into evidence.
The prosecution, however, maintains the letter is relevant to the case.
Judge Alala further explained that deliberations on the objections have been delayed because some members of the tribunal are currently undergoing medical treatment and were therefore unable to convene to consider the matter.
The court is scheduled to resume hearings next Wednesday, once the tribunal has reviewed the objections and issued a ruling on the contested evidence.
