The criminal trial of South Sudan’s suspended First Vice President Riek Machar began Monday with the prominent opposition leader appearing inside a defendant’s cage alongside seven co-accused, marking his first public appearance since being placed under house arrest in March.
The special court in Juba delayed proceedings until Tuesday after Machar’s defense team mounted a formal challenge to the court’s legal authority and composition. The hearing, broadcast nationally, was adjourned to allow the government’s prosecution team to prepare written responses to four key objections raised by the defense.
Machar’s lawyers — Dr. Geri Raimondo Legge, Attorney Kur Lual Kur, Attorney Anis Tombe Augustino, Attorney Deng John Deng, Attorney Warnyang Kiir Warnyang, and Attorney Regina Deng — contested the court’s legitimacy, arguing it lacks both competency and jurisdiction to hear the case as Machar is appointed under provisions of the 2018 peace agreement.
They also objected to the inclusion of private lawyers within the official prosecution team and invoked Machar’s legal immunity as the nation’s sitting first vice president.
The defense team is led by Dr. Geri Raimondo, a former Court of Appeal justice and current law professor at the University of Juba.
Presiding Judge James Alala Deng granted the defense request that all responses from the prosecution be provided in writing. The three-judge panel, which also includes Judge Stephen Simon and Judge Isaac Pur Majak, will review the submissions before deciding how to proceed.
The prosecution team, led by Counsel General of the Ministry of Justice Deng Achuil Adija, includes twelve other attorneys: Counsel General Dr. Sabri Wani Lado, Serafino Simon, Filberto Mayuot, Advocate Ajo Issa, Advocate Gabriel Mading Apach, Judge Advocate Deng Mabior Deng, Philip Anyang Ngong, Advocate Ajak Mayol Bior, Advocate Martha Jeramiah, James Michael, Advocate Peter Garang, and Counsel Butrus Yai Adhieu.
The court also involves investigators supporting the prosecution, including Brigadier General John Dak and Major General Basile Thomas Wani. A legal captain from the Internal Security Service, Captain Richard Apollo Musa, is listed as a complainant.
Machar was suspended by President Salva Kiir earlier this month after justice authorities filed criminal charges linked to his alleged role in an attack on a government troops garrison earlier this year. He and seven others face charges including treason, crimes against humanity, murder, conspiracy, terrorism, and destruction of public property and military assets.
The court’s ruling on the defense’s preliminary objections will determine whether the trial moves forward.