Trial of Machar Adjourned Until Next Week

By Awan Achiek

The trial of the high-profile case involving suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and his seven co-accused has been postponed until Monday, 29 September 2025.

The case involves allegations of murder, treason, conspiracy, financing terrorist activities, actions against state authorities, and crimes against humanity. It has been a focus of media attention and legal proceedings since Monday.

The Special Court has set the trial for 29 September 2025, to allow time for the court to consider the objections presented by both parties.

Presiding over the session in Juba on Monday, James Alala Deng stated that the adjournment was necessary to provide sufficient time to review and rule on the legal objections presented.

“You see, it was the view of this court to conduct these trials on a daily basis. However, we realise that this does not allow time for the parties to prepare adequately for the next session,” Deng said.

“Secondly, the court also needs time to review the lengthy written submissions from both parties. Thirdly, the government has the right to be given the opportunity to carry out its work normally.”

Deng acknowledged the importance of security forces in managing the situation but emphasised the necessity of allowing citizens to resume their regular activities.

“And that is beneficial. However, there is also a need to consider the needs of the citizens, so they are not disturbed. For example, institutions like universities and other nearby businesses.”

“It is this balance of interests that led the court to defer this session to the coming Monday, 29 September 2025, at 9:30 a.m.”

For his part, Dr. Sabri Wani Ladu, a member of the prosecution team, requested the court to remove Advocates Warnyang Kiir Warnyang and Deng John Deng from the defence team due to their lack of a licence from the Bar Association.

“These advocates are as follows: Advocate Deng John Deng and Advocate Warnyang Kiir Warnyang. Therefore, the prosecution has requested that these advocates be removed from the defence team and that their licence status be checked under the Advocate Act 2013,” Wani said.

“We are submitting the list from the Bar Council indicating which advocates are enrolled. It is therefore unfair to allow advocates who are not licensed to present the case.”

Machar, the leader of the main armed opposition group, SPLM-IO, along with seven key members, is facing charges including murder, treason, conspiracy, financing terrorist activities, actions against state authorities, and crimes against humanity.

The charges stem from a violent incident in March when a militia known as the White Army overran a garrison of government troops in Nasir County, Upper Nile, killing its commanding officer, Gen. Majur Dak, and several soldiers.

The justice ministry asserted that the attack in Nasir was influenced by Machar and others through “coordinated military and political structures.”