Court in Juba Rejects Immunity for Machar, Postpones Trial to Wednesday

A special court in Juba has rejected a request to grant immunity to the suspended First Vice-President, Riek Machar, confirming that he “has no constitutional immunity” in the context of this trial.

The court, presided over by Judge James Alala Deng, postponed the trial session to Wednesday following a request from the prosecution to allow additional time to present further evidence against the first defendant, despite objections from the defense team.

In the upcoming session, the court is set to hear the prosecution’s submissions regarding the evidence presented. Machar and seven senior members of his movement face serious charges including high treason, murder, and crimes against humanity, linked to clashes that occurred last March.

Judge Deng affirmed that the court will continue to hear the case according to established procedures, noting that the Constitutional Court has already been established, allowing the current court to proceed without legal obstacles related to official positions.

These developments have raised concerns about the potential impact of the judicial process on the fragile peace agreement in South Sudan.