![SPLM-IO leaser Riek Machar, attends a court hearing in Juba. [Photo courtesy]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/572344241_823627663746316_6541608333111769122_n.jpg?resize=1200%2C675&ssl=1)
The disruptions, compounded by a power outage at Freedom Hall, occurred during the court’s 95th sitting, where judges found that only Dr. Machar, listed as the fifth accused, was present, while the seven other co-accused failed to appear.
Responding to questions from Presiding Judge James Alala Deng over the absence of the remaining suspects, lead prosecutor Ajo Ony’Ohisa attributed the situation to logistical challenges.
“We have only managed to bring the fifth accused, H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, before this honourable court due to logistical constraints,” Ony’Ohisa told the bench.
The prosecutor said the hearing could not proceed after the court’s generator reportedly ran out of fuel, triggering a power outage that disrupted the session.
“In view of these circumstances, we pray that this matter be adjourned,” he added.
Lead defence counsel Dr. Geri Raymond Legge said the defence had no explanation for why the seven accused were absent, arguing that the reasons were known only to the authorities responsible for managing the detention facility where they are being held.
Judge Stephen Simon, one of the three judges hearing the case, remarked that the logistical difficulties and fuel shortages affecting the proceedings reflected broader challenges facing the country.
Following submissions from both parties, the court adjourned the matter until 15 July 2026.
When proceedings resume, the court is expected to rule on a prosecution application seeking permission for the remaining accused to submit written defence statements instead of appearing in person. The court is also expected to continue hearing testimony from the third accused, Gatwech Lam Puoch.
The high-profile case, which has attracted significant public interest, is being heard by a three-member bench comprising Presiding Judge James Alala Deng, Justice Stephen Simon and Justice Isaac Pur Majok.
The prosecution is represented by a team of 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. The defence team comprises six lawyers led by Dr. Geri Raymond Legge, alongside Kur Lual Kur and Anis Tombe Augustino.
Investigations into the case are being led by Major General Basile Thomas Wani with assistance from Brigadier General John Dak, while Captain Richard Gachi Apollo of the Internal Security Service is the complainant.
Those standing trial alongside Dr. Machar are Puot Kang Chuol, Mam Pal Dhuor, Gatwech Lam Puoch, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, Camilo Gatmai Kel, Mading Yak Riek and Dominic Gatgok Riek.
The proceedings are also expected to further examine digital forensic evidence that prosecutors say links some of the accused to alleged armed activities.
