A power outage forced the Special Court trying suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and his seven co-accused to temporarily suspend the session on Wednesday.
Justice Stephen Simon, a member of the judges’ panel presiding over the case, announced that the hearing will continue on Friday.
“I think because of the lack of electricity, the session is adjourned to next Friday,” he declared.
The members of the public who attended the session were sweating due to the heat in the room before the judge made the decision.
The 20th session was meant for judges to cross-examine the lead investigator, Maj. Gen. Basilio Thomas Wani.
During Monday’s session, prosecutors applied to the court to protect the identities of several witnesses who are set to testify against suspended Dr. Machar and the seven co-accused. The prosecution team also applied for the appointment of a court interpreter.
Presiding Judge Dr. James Alala Deng adjourned the session until Wednesday to allow time for the review of the lead investigator’s findings before the re-cross-examination.
Machar, 72, and the others are facing alleged charges of treason, crimes against humanity, mass murder, terrorism, and destruction of property.
The charges arise from a March 2025 assault on an army base in Nasir, which resulted in the deaths of Majur and dozens of soldiers.
The individuals facing allegations of treason, crimes against humanity, mass murder, terrorism, and destruction of property are Puot Kang Chuol, 40; Mam Pal Dhuor, 37; Gatwech Lam Puoch, 66; Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, 53; Dr. Riek Machar Teny, 75; Kamilo Gatmai Kel, 47; Mading Yak Riek, 45; and Dominic Gatgok Riek, 27.
The court was adjourned until Friday, 24 November 2025.