Judicial process · Special Court

Machar Trial: Court Rejects Procedural Applications; Testimony Set for 7 October

The rulings concern legal representation and courtroom procedure, not the criminal verdict. Machar is expected to resume giving evidence on Wednesday.

By South Sudan Press · 2 October 2026

Supplied image showing Riek Machar seated inside a courtroom enclosure — Supplied image of Riek Machar at court. The date and photographer of the image have not been independently verified.

JUBA — The Special Court trying former First Vice President Riek Machar and seven co-accused dismissed a defence application about the defendants’ choice of lawyers and rejected a prosecution counter-application at its 119th session on Friday, 2 October, according to Radio Tamazuj’s report from Freedom Hall.

Presiding judge Stephen Simon Binjigwa said the court had not removed or replaced any defence lawyer. The judges found no existing court order interfering with the accused persons’ legal representation, the basis on which they dismissed the defence request. The judge said represented defendants should ordinarily address the court through counsel, with the lead defence lawyer speaking unless unavailable. He cautioned both sides against repetitive applications.

Next session: Wednesday, 7 October 2026, when Machar is expected to resume giving oral evidence. Legal limit: neither procedural ruling determines guilt or innocence.

What remains unclear

The complete written rulings and the exact terms of the prosecution’s counter-application have not been obtained by South Sudan Press. The available account confirms its rejection but does not support a broader conclusion about all future examination procedures.

Prosecutors allege that SPLM/A-IO-aligned forces and armed Nuer youths attacked the Nasir garrison in March 2025. Machar and his co-defendants deny the charges. Their testimony and any subsequent judgment remain separate from Friday’s procedural decisions.

Security protections are a separate issue

On 30 September, the court barred police personnel named in an inquiry into alleged threats from attending proceedings and ordered escorts and route protection for defendants and lawyers. Friday’s legal-representation ruling does not establish whether those threats occurred or resolve the investigation. Compliance with those protective orders remains to be checked when testimony resumes.

Questions before 7 October

The court should publish its written decisions and clarify the prosecution application. Reporters should establish whether counsel can consult privately with Machar, whether independent journalists can attend the resumed evidence, and whether the previously barred personnel remain under investigation. The length of the remaining defence case is not yet clear.

Reporting basis: Radio Tamazuj, 2 October 2026; 30 September court security report. South Sudan Press has not obtained the written rulings. Corrections: editor@southsudanpress.com.