JUBA—The Special Court hearing the trial of former First Vice President Riek Machar and his co-defendants has rejected his request to present video footage, ruling that the application was premature.
The decision was delivered by presiding Judge Dr. James Alala Deng during the 123rd session of the proceedings on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Judge Deng said the court hearing has not yet reached the stage of framing the charges, adding that Machar should focus on understanding and responding to the offenses he is accused of committing.
The application sought permission to play video footage of senior government officials during funeral prayers for Maj. Gen. David Majur Dak, who was killed during the Nasir attack. Machar, who is the fifth accused, intended to use the footage to support his arguments.
Judge Deng said the evidence Dr. Machar intended to use would be considered at the appropriate stage and that the accused would have an opportunity to respond in accordance with applicable procedures.
The judge also directed Machar to refrain from commenting on previous court decisions or matters unrelated to the issues before the court.
He warned against turning the proceedings into a political rally, stressing that all accused persons were being treated equally and must abide by the court’s rules.
Judge Deng further criticized some legal provisions cited by the defence in support of the application, describing them as irrelevant and potentially misleading to the court and the public.
In a separate development, Judge Deng revealed that an investigation into threats had been completed and that the matter would be referred to the relevant authorities. The court also said copies of its previous decisions would be provided to the parties.
Lead prosecutor Ajo Ony’ Ohisa had opposed the application, arguing that it was not the appropriate stage to introduce the footage and that Machar should focus on responding to the charges against him.
However, defense lawyer Dr. Geri Raymond Legge challenged the prosecution’s position and also denied allegations that the defence had turned the proceedings into a political rally.
He maintained that the videos were intended to bring the matter to the attention of the wider public.
The case concerns allegations linked to the March 2025 violence in Nasir, Upper Nile State, when White Army fighters overran a military barracks and reportedly killed more than 200 government soldiers, including Maj. Gen. David Majur Dak.
Machar and his seven co-accused have denied the allegations against them.
The proceedings were adjourned until October 26, 2026, when Machar’s examination is expected to continue.
