By Yiep Joseph
The special court handling the Nasir incident involving the suspected First Vice President and seven others has granted the accused permission to access medical care.
The court’s decision followed a request by the defense team requesting permission for all accused persons to seek essential medical care.
According to the request presented to the special court during the seventh session yesterday, some of the accused have not seen their doctors since the time of arrest.
At the start of the seventh court session, defense lawyer Kur Lual requested the court to allow the accused to go for medical care.
In response to the request, the presiding Judge Dr. James Alala Deng expressed that it is within the law for the accused to seek essential medical services.
He granted the request and promised that it will be handled immediately after the seventh session.
In addition, the special court granted permission for the third accused, Gatwech Lam, to visit his family and offer condolences following the death of his brother-in-law.
According to the request tabled before the special court, the defense stated that the third accused have to be permitted to pay tribute and mourn with the family members at this difficult time.
The judge well granted permission, adding that it is within the criminal procedures and hence can be granted.
In September, the government filed six charges, including treason and murder, against Dr. Machar and seven others in connection with the March 2025 Nasir incident.
Dr. Joseph Geng Akec, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, announced in a press briefing that the government’s investigative committee has concluded its probe and filed charges against Dr. Machar and his allies.
The charges include murder, conspiracy and common intention, terrorism and financing terrorist acts, treason and acts against state authority, destruction of public property and military assets, and crimes against humanity.
“The accused persons have been informed of the charges against them and their constitutional rights, including the right to a fair trial and legal representation of their choice,” Geng said.
The accused, including Dr. Riek Machar, Mr. Puot Kang Choi, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, Mr. Mam Pal Dhuor, Mr. Gatwich Lam Puoch, Brig. Gen. Camilo Gatmai Kel, Mr. Mading Riek Yak, and Mr. Dominic Gatrgok Riek of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army–In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), are alleged to have coordinated with the White Army in attacks on the Nasir barracks from 3 to 7 March 2025.