Gatwech Lam Puoch, a co-defendant in the trial of suspended First Vice President Riek Machar, denied on Friday that a press statement he issued was intended to incite rebellion or violence against the government, telling the special court it was aimed at protecting civilians and promoting peace in Upper Nile State.
Lam, an opposition SPLM-IO lawmaker representing Nasir County, is among eight defendants charged with treason, crimes against humanity, murder, terrorism and destruction of property over a March 2025 attack on a South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) base in Nasir.
Prosecutors have relied on evidence presented by South African digital forensics expert Ratlhogo Peter Calvin Rafadi and military witness Major Peter Malual Deng, who alleged that Lam shared sensitive military information with individuals linked to the White Army militia.
According to an individual forensic report presented to the court, an analysis of WhatsApp messages retrieved from Lam’s phone showed that he communicated information on SSPDF activities and troop movements to individuals associated with the opposition SPLM-IO.
Testifying during the 90th hearing of the case at Freedom Hall in Juba, Lam rejected the allegations, saying a press statement cited by prosecutors did not amount to any of the offences against him.
“The statement referred to in the testimony of Prosecution Witness No. 1, Major Peter Malual Deng, as well as the contents of the digital forensic expert report appearing in my individual report, does not in itself constitute any of the offences attributed to me,” Lam told the court.
He said the statement was issued on behalf of a parliamentary bloc of 24 SPLM-IO lawmakers rather than in his personal capacity and reflected a collective position adopted during an official meeting.
“The contents of the statement reflected a collective position adopted during an official meeting of the parliamentary bloc and addressed matters of public concern relating to security and stability in Upper Nile State,” he said.
Lam said the statement sought to protect civilians, preserve social cohesion and promote peace and stability in Nasir and Ulang counties.
The 67-year-old legislator said the statement was part of parliament’s constitutional role in raising issues of public concern and holding the executive accountable through oversight.
“The statement merely conveyed the concerns and apprehensions expressed by citizens in the constituencies we represent, particularly Nasir and Ulang counties, regarding security developments affecting their areas,” he said.
“It sought to warn against potential security risks and urge competent authorities to take preventive measures necessary to protect civilians and avert escalation.”
Lam said the statement did not advocate armed action, rebellion, violence or any unlawful conduct.
“On the contrary, it focused on preventing war, safeguarding peace, implementing the peace agreement and deploying the Necessary Unified Forces in accordance with Article 2.3.4 of the R-ARCSS,” he said.
He added that the statement called for reconciliation, dialogue, peacebuilding and peaceful coexistence, which he said were intended to strengthen stability rather than undermine it.
Presiding Judge James Alala Deng adjourned the proceedings until Wednesday, June 24, when Lam is expected to continue presenting his defence.
The defendants include Dr. Riek Machar, Puot Kang Chuol, Mam Pal Dhuor, Lieutenant General Gabriel Duop Lam, Camilo Gatmai Kel, Mading Yak Riek and Dominic Gatgok Riek.
Machar remains under house arrest, while the other defendants are being held by the National Security Service (NSS).
Prosecutors allege that SPLA-IO forces allied with the White Army militia killed 257 soldiers, including SSPDF commander David Majur Dak, and destroyed or seized military equipment worth about $58 million during the attack.
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