Justice Abraham Laat has urged journalists in South Sudan to thoroughly study the nation’s laws to ensure accurate and responsible courtroom reporting.
The judge made the call on Friday at the conclusion of a three-day training workshop in Juba, designed to improve media coverage of court proceedings.
The session concluded as the country’s judiciary handles a high-profile treason case involving several senior political figures, including suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
Organised by the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) with support from the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), the training aimed to equip reporters with the skills to navigate complex legal processes.
Justice Laat, a member of the Greater Equatoria Court of Appeal who represented the South Sudan Judiciary, stressed that familiarity with the legal framework is essential for journalists.
“Consult your South Sudanese laws from time to time. You’re a journalist; you should know the laws of your country,” he told participants.
He specifically highlighted the importance of the Media Laws and the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan 2011 (as amended), which includes criminal procedural codes.
“Understanding these laws helps journalists avoid mistakes in their reporting,” Justice Laat said. He used the example of neighbouring Kenya, where he said journalists are expected to understand local media and procedural laws before they begin working.
Bridging a Critical Gap
The training comes at a pivotal time for South Sudan’s justice sector. The judiciary is currently proceeding with the case of suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven other accused, who face charges including treason.
This has placed the role of the media under greater scrutiny, with a public interest in accurate and impartial reporting from the courtroom.
Justice Laat revealed that the judiciary is considering establishing a dedicated media desk to improve coordination and communication with journalists.
For the participants, the workshop was a critical step in bridging the gap between the media and the judiciary.
Pal Gai, a reporter from the state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), described the training as “fruitful.”
“This training has really been beneficial to us as media practitioners because it is really going to help in court reporting, for example, in the ongoing criminal court case of Dr. Riek Machar and the other accused,” Gai said.
Another journalist, Emmanuel Joice Nicolas, said the session provided essential skills and legal terminology precisely when they were needed.
“We learned a lot of terminologies for law reporting and a lot of experience from the trainer,” Nicolas stated, praising the practical insights shared by the facilitators.
Focus on Fundamentals and Ethics
The training sessions were led by Justice Laat and Kenyan media trainer Paul Ogembe. They provided practical guidance on legal frameworks, courtroom etiquette, and the ethical obligations of journalists.
A freelance journalist, George Kenyi, said the course established a strong foundation.
“We were well equipped right from day one. The trainer was establishing and giving us the foundation of court reporting and elaborating on how to report on each matter,” Kenyi said, adding that the program covered the required sensitivity for both civil and criminal cases.
The program emphasised core principles of journalism: accuracy, impartiality, and a thorough understanding of legal procedures to inform the public reliably.