Machar Defence Seeks Protection Juba: Cites Threats to Safety

• The defence team for suspended South Sudanese First Vice President Riek Machar and seven co-defendants raised concerns over alleged threats to their safety during an ongoing trial in Juba.
• Lead defence lawyer Geri Raimondo Legge requested immediate protective measures and an independent investigation into the intimidation, specifically noting the vulnerability of Machar, who is the fifth accused.
• The trial, adjourned until September 11 due to a judge's illness, is expected to rule on a defence application concerning the right to legal representation and a prosecution counter-application.
• Machar and his co-defendants face charges including treason and murder, stemming from a March 2025 incident in Nasir where 257 government soldiers were allegedly killed by SPLA-IO forces.
• The prosecution claims military equipment worth $58 million was destroyed or seized during the Nasir violence, though all defendants deny the charges.

The application for protection by the defence team highlights the critical importance of ensuring the safety of defendants and legal counsel in high-profile trials, especially within politically sensitive jurisdictions like South Sudan.

The defence team representing suspended South Sudanese First Vice President Riek Machar and seven co-defendants has formally expressed grave concerns regarding alleged threats to the lives and safety of both the accused and their legal representatives. During ongoing proceedings in Juba on Monday, lead defence lawyer Geri Raimondo Legge addressed the special court, emphasizing the potentially life-threatening circumstances faced by his clients and colleagues. He specifically highlighted the vulnerability of the fifth accused, Riek Machar, stating that the situation demanded serious attention from the judiciary.

Legge did not disclose the identity of those allegedly responsible for these threats but urged the court to implement immediate protective measures and initiate an independent investigation into the reported intimidation. The defence is poised to formally submit its application concerning these alleged threats once the court reconvenes, underscoring the urgency of the matter. This development, where the Machar defence seeks protection in Juba, casts a shadow over the integrity of the high-profile trial.

Monday's court session saw an unexpected adjournment by presiding judge James Alala Deng. The proceedings were halted because one of the three panel members, Judge Stephen Simon, was unable to attend due to illness, rendering the judicial panel incomplete. The case is part of ongoing proceedings in Juba, which have continued through numerous sessions since an earlier adjournment to Friday, September 11, 2025.

On this upcoming date, the court is anticipated to deliver rulings on two significant applications. One is a defence application seeking clarification on the constitutional right to legal representation for the defendants, a fundamental aspect of due process. The other is a counter-application filed by the prosecution, the details of which were not immediately specified. These procedural matters are unfolding against the backdrop of the Riek Machar trial threats, adding layers of complexity to the legal environment.

Riek Machar and his seven co-defendants are currently facing a litany of serious charges, including treason, murder, conspiracy, terrorism, destruction of public property, and crimes against humanity. These accusations stem from a violent incident that occurred in Nasir, Upper Nile State, in March 2025, which resulted in significant casualties among government forces.

Prosecutors allege that forces affiliated with Machar's Sudan Peoples Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), acting in concert with the White Army militia, were responsible for the deaths of 257 South Sudan Peoples Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers. Among those killed was military commander General David Majur Dak, during an attack on a military garrison in Nasir. Furthermore, the prosecution claims that military equipment valued at approximately $58 million was either destroyed or seized during the fighting. Despite these grave allegations, Machar and all other defendants have steadfastly denied the charges. The SPLA-IO treason charges in Juba are central to this politically charged trial.

The application for protection by the defence team highlights the critical importance of ensuring the safety of defendants and legal counsel in high-profile trials, especially within politically sensitive jurisdictions like South Sudan. The court's response to this South Sudan court protection application will set a significant precedent for safeguarding due process and judicial integrity in challenging environments.

The alleged Riek Machar trial threats underscore the inherent risks faced by legal professionals and accused individuals when justice is sought in volatile contexts. The call for an independent investigation into the intimidation, as voiced by Geri Raimondo Legge, emphasizes the need for robust mechanisms to protect all participants in the legal process. Ensuring defendant safety in South Sudan trial proceedings is paramount not only for the fairness of this particular case but also for upholding the rule of law more broadly.

This development underscores the critical importance of ensuring the safety of defendants and legal counsel in high-profile trials, particularly in politically sensitive jurisdictions. Lawyers should note the court's response to such protection applications as it sets a precedent for safeguarding due process and judicial integrity in challenging environments.

Source: Original reporting via news reports