JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN – Suspended First Vice President Dr Riek Machar has called on the Special Court to intervene over alleged security threats, restrictions on defence lawyers and reported unauthorised searches involving accused officials held at the National Security detention facility in Juba.
Speaking during the 128th session of the Special Court on Wednesday, Machar raised concerns about the safety and treatment of his defence team and co-accused, urging the judicial panel to address what he described as an urgent security matter.
“We have a complaint that we want to bring to the court about the defence. Due to an urgent matter, we think this can be brought before you,” Machar told the court.
His intervention followed concerns previously raised by defence lawyers during the court’s 126th session on 2 November, when they complained about alleged restrictions on family visits and reported nighttime searches at the National Security detention facility where the accused officials are being held.
According to the defence, the alleged searches and security restrictions have heightened fears for the safety and wellbeing of those in detention. The accused have expressed concern that unauthorised intrusions into the detention facility could pose serious threats to their lives.
The defence further alleged that the restrictions were introduced as retaliatory measures following an earlier complaint submitted to the court concerning an alleged assassination plot targeting Machar, his co-accused and members of their legal team.
These allegations have raised concerns about the security of the detainees and the ability of defence lawyers to carry out their duties without intimidation or interference.
Responding to Machar’s request, Judge Stephen Simon Binjigwa, a member of the judicial panel, explained that the court could only consider the complaint if it was formally submitted through legal counsel.
“We are a competent court. If you have something urgent, let your advocate bring it to us,” the judge stated.
The court did not immediately examine the substance of the allegations, leaving the defence to pursue the matter through the appropriate legal procedures.
Proceedings were subsequently adjourned until Wednesday, 18 November, due to arrangements for the three-day state burial of General Joseph Lagu Yanga, the former Second Vice President of Sudan and former President of the High Executive Council, whose burial ceremonies are scheduled to begin on Friday.
The latest developments add to ongoing concerns raised by the defence regarding detention conditions, access to legal representation and the safety of those involved in the high-profile proceedings.
The allegations of intimidation, retaliatory restrictions and security threats remain claims made by the defence and have not been independently established in court.
