Machar Trial: Defence raises alarm over threats to Machar, seven accused

JUBA — The defense team representing suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused on Monday raised concerns over alleged threats to the lives of their clients facing trial before the Special Court in Juba.

Lead defense lawyer Dr. Geri Raymond Legge, during the 114th proceeding on Monday, submitted an application to the court, informing the judges that the accused had received life-threatening threats.

However, Geri did not identify who was allegedly behind the threats or provide further details on the nature of the threats.

Geri argued that the safety and well-being of the accused must be guaranteed throughout the proceedings, warning that threats against them could affect their ability to participate fully in the trial.

He demanded immediate protective measures and an independent investigation—warrants urgent, serious attention from competent state authorities.

The defense raised the concerns as the court continued hearing the case linked to the March 2025 violence in Nasir, Upper Nile State.

Machar and seven co-accused are facing charges arising from the incident, which resulted in the deaths of government soldiers and heightened political and security tensions.

The court adjourned the proceedings until Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, when the court 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.

The court adjourned the proceeding until Friday, September 11, to allow the prosecution to respond to the defense’s submissions.

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