Machar’s Defence Team Seeks Protection After Reporting Threats During Juba Trial

JUBA, South Sudan — September 7, 2026

Lawyers representing suspended First Vice President Riek Machar and seven co-accused have asked a special court in Juba for protection after reporting alleged threats against the defendants and members of their defence team.

Lead defence lawyer Geri Raimondo Legge raised the concern during Monday’s proceedings, telling the court that the alleged threats could endanger those involved in the defence. He asked authorities to provide immediate protection and conduct an independent investigation.

The defence did not publicly identify who was allegedly behind the threats or provide detailed evidence about their nature. For that reason, the claims remain allegations made by the defence team and have not been independently established.

Monday’s proceedings were also cut short after Judge Stephen Simon, one of three judges hearing the case, was unable to attend because he was unwell. Presiding Judge James Alala Deng adjourned the trial because the full judicial panel was not available.

The case is expected to return to court on Friday, September 11. The court is also expected to address legal arguments concerning how the remaining defendants should be questioned and their right to legal representation during the defence stage of the trial.

Machar and seven other defendants are being tried over the March 2025 violence in Nasir, Upper Nile State, where government forces suffered heavy casualties.

Prosecutors have brought charges including treason, murder, conspiracy, terrorism, destruction of public property and crimes against humanity. They allege that forces associated with the SPLA-IO and the White Army were responsible for an attack on an SSPDF garrison in Nasir.

Machar and his co-defendants have denied the charges.

The reported threats add a new security concern to a trial that continues to attract significant public and political attention in South Sudan. The defence is expected to formally pursue its request for protective measures when proceedings resume.