Machar, Seven Co-Accused Seek Court Protection Amid Reported Threats

By Awan Achiek

The defense team representing suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused has asked the Special Court to provide protection for the accused following reported life-threatening threats against them.

The request was made by Machar’s lead defense lawyer, Dr. Geri Raymond Legge, during the 114th session of the trial in Juba on Monday. The defense raised serious concerns over the safety and well-being of the accused as the proceedings continue.

Dr. Geri did not disclose the identity of those allegedly behind the threats or provide details about their nature.

He told the court that the threats posed a serious concern for the safety and well-being of the accused as the trial continues and urged the court to take appropriate measures to ensure the protection of Machar and his co-accused throughout the proceedings.

“My lord, we have an application to submit; there is a serious threat to the life of the defense and the 8 accused persons, especially the 5 accused. It needs serious attention,” Geri said.

He claimed the threats targeted Riek Machar, his co-accused, and the defense team, demanding immediate protective measures and an an independent investigation.

The presiding judge, Dr. James Alala Deng, stated that the panel was not complete since one of the judges, Stephen Simon, was unwell, forcing him to adjourn the session to Friday, September 11, 2026.

The court adjourned the proceedings until Friday, September 11, 2026, when it is expected to rule on the defense’s application seeking clarification of the defendants’ constitutional right to legal representation, as well as the prosecution’s counter-application.

Machar and seven other defendants are on trial over violence in Nasir, Upper Nile State, in March 2025, during which government forces suffered heavy casualties.

The defendants face charges including treason, murder, conspiracy, terrorism, destruction of public property, and crimes against humanity.

Machar and several co-accused face allegations related to the March 2025 violence in Nasir, Upper Nile State. Machar and his co-accused have denied the allegations against them.

The trial, which has drawn significant national attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused, is being presided over by Judge James Alala Deng, alongside Justices Stephen Simon and Isaac Pur Majok.

The prosecution team comprises 13 lawyers drawn from the Ministry of Justice and other legal institutions, including Counsel General Deng Achuil Adija, Dr. Sabri Wani Lado, Serafino Simon Mizan, and Filberto Mayuot Mareng.

On the defense side, six lawyers are representing the accused, including Dr. Geri Raymond Legge, Kur Lual Kur, and Anis Tombe Augustino.

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.

Those standing trial alongside Machar include Puot Kang Chuol, Mam Pal Dhuor, Gatwech Lam Puoch, Lt Gen Gabriel Duop Lam, Camilo Gatmai Kel, Mading Yak Riek, and Dominic Gatgok Riek.

As proceedings continue, the court is expected to further examine the credibility and implications of digital forensic evidence in establishing alleged links between political figures and armed groups.

Prosecutors allege that forces aligned with Machar’s Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), together with the White Army militia, killed 257 South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers, including military commander General David Majur Dak, during an attack on a military garrison in Nasir.

The prosecution has also alleged that military equipment worth about $58 million was destroyed or seized during the fighting.

Machar and the other defendants have denied the charges.