JUBA — Prosecutors on Friday formally closed their case in the ongoing trial involving suspended first vice president Dr. Riek Machar Teny and seven co-accused, marking a significant turning point as proceedings shift to the next phase.
The announcement came after the prosecution presented its final witnesses and concluded arguments aimed at establishing its case.
The case was closed after judges raised detailed procedural and technical questions regarding the digital forensic evidence presented in court.
Machar and his co-accused first appeared in court on September 22, 2025, where they faced multiple charges, including treason, crimes against humanity, murder, terrorism, and conspiracy linked to an alleged attack on a government military base in Nasir, the northeastern part of the country.
Lead prosecutor Ajo Onyo Issa formally closed the case after eight months of proceedings and 216 days since the first session, which commenced on September 22, 2025.
During the proceedings, the prosecution presented 14 witnesses, seven of whom testified in camera under protective measures, while the remaining seven gave evidence in open court.
Throughout the hearings, prosecutors relied heavily on witness testimonies, including signal recording and evidence from digital forensic expert Ratlhogo Peter Calvin Rafadi, whose analysis of electronic devices featured prominently in the case.
Lead prosecutor Ajo Onyo Issa said they provided various documents as evidence, including signal recordings and digital forensics.
“The prosecution provided enough evidence to enable this court to charge all the accused persons jointly and severally,” he said.
“With this, my lord, the prosecution closed its case, and the court would examine the accused in the coming session.”
In the upcoming session, the court is expected to examine all eight accused individuals one by one in order to assess the case against them.
Kur Lual Kur, lead defense counsel for Riek Machar, requested a one-week adjournment to allow time to prepare the accused for questioning by the judges.
He also asked that the next session be broadcast live on the national broadcaster, South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation.
However, lead prosecutor Ajo Onyo Issa opposed the application, arguing that the examination would be conducted by the judges, not the defense, and should proceed without delay.
He also rejected the proposal to livestream the proceedings, warning that it could be used to mobilize supporters and potentially jeopardize security.
Presiding Judge James Alala Deng adjourned the proceedings until Monday, April 27, when the panel is expected to rule on the defense’s application.
