Dr. Riek Machar, SPLM-IO leader, is currently undergoing trial over Nasir incident. (Courtesy photo)

The Special Court trying suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused has rejected a prosecution request to require the remaining defendants to submit written statements, allowing the accused to continue presenting their defence orally.

The prosecution had asked the court to require the remaining five defendants to submit prepared and typed written statements instead of oral testimony, arguing that the move would save time and speed up the trial.

However, in a ruling delivered on Friday, Judge Simon Stephen dismissed the request, saying the proceedings will continue with oral statements from the accused.

The judge added that any defendant who wishes to submit a written statement voluntarily is free to do so, but it will not be compulsory.

The prosecution made the application on June 26, arguing that oral testimony from the remaining defendants would be time-consuming and delay the proceedings.

The ruling clears the way for the court to continue hearing oral statements from the remaining accused.

Following the ruling, the three-judge panel continued hearing the defence of the third defendant during the 97th court session.

Presiding Judge Dr. James Alala Deng questioned Member of Parliament Gatwech Lam Puoch about a press conference held on February 19, 2025.

Gatwech told the court that the press conference was a collective initiative by members of parliament representing Nasir and Ulang counties, and not by him alone.

When asked whether he was arrested immediately after the press conference, Gatwech said no. He told the court he was arrested on March 11, 2025, several weeks after the event.

He also said his mobile phone and password were taken by force by Protected Witness Number 12, identified in court by the abbreviation “MAR.”

The court adjourned the hearing until July 20, 2026, when it is expected to continue hearing the defence testimony of the fourth defendant, General Gabriel Duop, the Chief of Staff of the SPLA-IO.