JUBA — The Special Court trying former First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused adjourned proceedings on 25 September until Wednesday, 30 September, when judges are expected to rule on a defence application concerning alleged security threats.
The court has not determined that the alleged threats occurred. Details of the defence submission have not been made public, limiting independent assessment of the nature, source and evidence behind the allegations.
Application remains under judicial review
The security issue has been before the court during recent sessions. Earlier proceedings show the defence filed a written application raising concerns about the safety of the defendants and lawyers, while prosecutors subsequently filed a response. The court has continued to examine the matter.
Because the application was not read publicly in full, South Sudan Press is not treating reported details of alleged threats as established facts.
What happens on 30 September
The next date is significant because judges are expected to address the security application. SSP will seek the written defence application, the prosecution response and the court’s ruling, while avoiding publication of confidential operational security details that could put participants at risk.
Defence security application filed → prosecution response submitted → court reviewing allegations → proceedings adjourned 25 Sep → ruling expected 30 Sep.
The adjournment does not dismiss the case. Machar and the seven other defendants deny the charges against them.