By Yiep Joseph
The special court trying suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused has dismissed a defense application seeking permission for live broadcast of the proceedings on the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC).
The ruling was made during the court’s 72nd session on Monday, following a previous request by the defense team.
In the past session, defense lawyer Kur Lual Kuir had requested that the proceedings be televised live, arguing for greater public access as the trial progresses.
The defense also requested a one-week adjournment to allow time to prepare the accused for questioning by the judges.
However, both requests were opposed by the prosecution, which argued that the trial is already open to the public and that live coverage was unnecessary.
The prosecution further warned that broadcasting the proceedings could allow the defense to use the courtroom for political messaging and campaigns.
During the session, the court maintained its earlier position on media coverage.
Judge Stephen Simon Isaac said the court would not revisit its previous ruling barring live broadcasts.
“The court does not want to repeat itself in this regard. The court prohibited live broadcast of the session, and it cannot overrule its previous decision,” Isaac said.
Presiding Judge James Alala Deng later adjourned the case until Monday, May 4, 2026, when the court is expected to begin questioning the accused.
Machar, 73, who remains under house arrest, faces charges including murder, conspiracy, terrorism, treason, and crimes against humanity.
His co-accused are being held in detention under the National Security Service.
Prosecutors allege that forces of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition, reportedly allied with the White Army militia, killed 257 South Sudan People’s Defence Forces soldiers, including commander David Majur Dak, and destroyed or seized military equipment worth about $58 million during an attack on a garrison in Nasir in March 2025.