Machar trial adjourned again as judge falls ill, hearing set for March 30

JUBA — The trial of suspended First Vice President Dr Riek Machar Teny and seven co-accused was abruptly adjourned on Wednesday after one of the presiding judges fell ill, marking the third disruption of proceedings due to health-related concerns.

Justice Stephen Simon Binjigwa, a member of the three-judge panel, announced the adjournment, citing the illness of his colleague, Justice Isaac Pur Majok. He ordered an immediate suspension of the session to allow the ailing judge to receive medical attention.

“Due to the sickness of Isaac Pur Majok, we are going to adjourn this session to next week, 30th March 2026. We wish him a quick recovery,” Simon said in court.

The latest delay adds to a pattern of health-related interruptions that have slowed the high-profile trial.

In December 2025, the 28^th session of the hearing was adjourned after Justice Stephen Simon himself fell ill and required urgent medical attention.

A month later, in January 2026, the 44^th session was suspended when a key court technician became sick.

The court is now expected to resume on Monday, March 30, when the defence team will continue cross-examining the prosecution’s final witness, a digital forensic expert whose testimony is considered central to the case.

The panel overseeing the proceedings is led by Presiding Judge James Alala Deng, alongside Justices Stephen Simon and Isaac Pur Majok. The case has drawn significant national attention, not only because of Machar’s political standing but also due to the scale of legal representation involved.

The prosecution team comprises 13 lawyers drawn from the Ministry of Justice and other legal institutions, underscoring the importance the state has attached to the case. Senior prosecutors include Counsel General Deng Achuil Adija, Dr Sabri Wani Lado, Serafino Simon Mizan, and Filberto Mayuot Mareng, supported by a wider team of advocates and legal officers.

On the defence side, six lawyers represent the accused, including Dr Geri Raimondu Lege, Kur Lual Kur, and Anis Tombe Augustino.

The case is being investigated under the leadership of 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.