By Lodu William Odiya
The court proceeding over suspended Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven other accused of treason has again adjourned the third hearing to allow time for the prosecutors and the defense lawyers to respond to the points of objections in writings.
During the third hearing, the prosecutors raised a fresh objection that some of the defense lawyers were not licensed or their advocate licenses had expired to perform their duties in the country.
The hearing, which was supposed to be daily according to James Alala, was again adjourned until Monday, 29th September 2025, to allow students at the University of Juba to sit for their exams and normalize daily activities at customs market.
“It was the view of this court to conduct this trial on daily basis but we realized that this is not giving time or chance to one of the parties to prepare properly for the next session” he said.
“The court also to easily look into long written pleadings by the parties. The public at large to be given chance to exercise, to work normally, proudly recognize the roles of the security forces in controlling the situation”
He underscored there was need to consider the needs of the citizens to go to their work without being disturbed.
He further emphasized that institution like the University and other nearby businesses should carryout their normal duties.
He further emphasized that the decision was to balance the of interest of the people, hence the court decided to defer this session for the decision on the objections presented by the defense teams and the prosecution team.
The presiding Judges stated that they would carefully consider the submissions from both the prosecution and defense before making their ruling next week.
If the court accepts the defence’s objections, the case may be dismissed. However, if the court rules otherwise, the trial will proceed, marking a critical stage in one of the country’s most closely watched political and legal battles.