JUBA — The third co-accused in an ongoing trial linked to opposition figure Dr Riek Machar Teny, Gatwech Lam Puoch, on Friday told the special court that a contested press release was intended to prevent violence rather than incite it.
The evidence presented earlier by South African digital forensics expert Ratlhogo Peter Calvin Rafadi alleged that Lam shared sensitive military information with individuals linked to the White Army militia.
According to Rafadi, WhatsApp messages extracted from Lam’s phone showed that he relayed information about the movements and operations of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) to actors aligned with the opposition SPLM-IO.
Rafadi also alleged that Lam was connected to a press conference whose remarks contributed to tensions surrounding the Nasir incident.
In his defense statement during the 90th session on Friday, Lam rejected allegations that the statement encouraged unrest, arguing instead that its purpose was to caution against escalating tensions and to promote restraint among affected communities.
“The statement sought to warn against potential security risks and urge the competent authorities to take preventative measures to protect civilians and avert escalation.
The press statement, which is central to the charges, Lam said, was issued in a broader political and security context and was aimed at addressing concerns over rising instability.
“At no point did the statement call for taking up arms, rebellion, violence, unlawful conduct, or any act contrary to the law,” he said.
“On the contrary, it focuses on preventing war, safeguarding peace, implementing the peace agreement, and deploying the necessary unified forces in accordance with the provisions of articles 2.3.4 of the R-ARCSS.”
He argued that the press release was aimed at promoting reconciliation, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence in Nasir and Ulang counties, rather than inciting violence or rebellion.
“The demands contained in the statement were limited to appealing to H.E. the president of the Republic and the competent authorities to adopt peaceful and lawful measures to address the existing tensions and prevent the outbreak of conflict,” he said.
Lam stated that he only read a press statement on behalf of a parliamentary bloc consisting of 24 members of parliament and did not refer to his personal statement.
He argued that the statement represented the collective views and positions of lawmakers during an official meeting held at the National Assembly to discuss public concerns related to security and stability in Upper Nile.
“This selective prosecution raises legitimate questions regarding the basis upon which the prosecution chooses to single out the spokesman for criminal proceedings while excluding all other members of the bloc who endorsed and adopted the same document,” he said.
The court adjourned the session to June 24, 2026, when Lam is expected to continue giving his defense statement.
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.
