JUBA — Lawyers representing suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and his co-accused on Wednesday asked the Special Court to dismiss a counter-application filed by the prosecution, arguing that it could limit the accused persons’ ability to fully explain the evidence presented before the court.
During the 112th session of the trial on Wednesday, lead defense lawyer Dr. Geri Raymond Legge argued that the accused persons should be given sufficient opportunity to present and explain their evidence without being restricted by questioning.
Geri argued that restricting the accused persons to questioning could prevent them from providing the full context of their statements.
Dr. Geri said procedural practices previously adopted by the Special Court should not be changed.
He noted that accused persons Puot Kang Chuol, Mam Pal Dhuor, Gatwech Lam Puoch, and Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam had already presented their written defense testimonies.
He argued that changing the procedure at this stage could affect the way the accused persons present their cases before the court.
Dr. Geri asked the court to dismiss the prosecution’s counter-application and allow the accused persons to present their written defense statements as part of their evidence.
He maintained that the accused should be given a fair opportunity to explain their evidence and respond to allegations brought against them.
On defense application seeking clarification and protection of the accused persons’ constitutional right to legal representation
He argued that the defense’s original application was intended to seek clarification and protect the accused persons’ constitutional right to legal representation.
He said the application was not meant to challenge or undermine the authority of the court, stressing that the defense respected the court and its proceedings.
He said the defense was seeking clarification to prevent mistrust between the accused persons and their lawyers.
The court adjourned the session until Friday, 28 August, 2026, for the prosecution to respond to the counter application.
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
