Court Session Paused After 13 Hearings
The special bench in Juba ended its thirteenth sitting within minutes on Tuesday, adjourning the high-profile Machar trial to Friday, 24 October 2025. Presiding judges cited the defense’s need for additional preparation as the overriding reason for the pause.
Defense Requests Case Documents
Lead counsel Geri Raimondu argued that cross-examining chief investigator Major General Basilio Thomas Wani would be impossible without full access to prosecution exhibits. “Fair trial standards compel disclosure,” he stated outside the courtroom. Prosecutors pressed for immediate questioning, but the panel rejected their objection.
Health Concerns Stall Proceedings
Attendance records showed Brigadier General Kamilo Gatmai Kel absent. Defense lawyer Kur Lual Kur informed judges that the sixth defendant was undergoing treatment for a stomach illness. The court asked prison authorities to furnish a medical report before the next sitting.
Multiple Motions Await Ruling
Judges acknowledged several pending applications, including requests for specialized meals, written transcripts of the investigator’s testimony, and broader medical access for all detainees. Deliberations on these matters are expected during the upcoming session.
Regional Stakes and Public Interest
Observers from IGAD and the African Union quietly monitored the brief hearing, underscoring regional concern over stability in South Sudan. Analysts note that every procedural twist reverberates beyond the courtroom, influencing peace-deal dynamics and public confidence in transitional justice.