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

JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) — The special court trial involving suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused will now be held in camera, excluding the public and the media to protect prosecution witnesses.

The ruling follows an application filed by the prosecution on November 10, 2025, seeking protection for vulnerable witnesses who reportedly face intimidation and threats linked to the high-profile nature of the case.

When the 37th court session opened on Monday, January 12, both the prosecution and defense confirmed their attendance.

The defense also confirmed the presence of all the accused persons, with the exception of Accused Number Six, who was absent on health grounds.

In its application, the prosecution informed the court that the son of one witness had been stabbed and another person assaulted at the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya.

It further revealed that a social media blog had published the names of its witnesses, exposing them to threats from unknown sources and creating an “atmosphere of fear” that undermines the court’s work.

To support its claims, the prosecution submitted electronic recordings, including phone conversations in the Nuer language.

The state cited Section 181 of the Criminal Procedure Act and provisions of the UN Convention on Transnational Organized Crime—which are incorporated into South Sudanese law—praying that hearings be conducted in private and that witnesses be referred to by pseudonyms.

The defense opposed the application, arguing that it lacked sufficient evidence and infringed on the rights of the accused to a fair and open trial.

Defense lawyers maintained that voice distortion and witness anonymity could deny the accused the opportunity to properly identify and respond to testimony.

They further blamed the prosecution for failing to safeguard the witness list that eventually leaked onto social media.

However, both sides reached an agreement regarding the appointment of court interpreters.

In its ruling, the three-judge panel noted that while Article 19(3) of the Transitional Constitution and Section 181 of the Criminal Procedure Act guarantee the principle of open justice, the prosecution had presented reasonable grounds to warrant special measures.

The court subsequently admitted the application for witness protection, ordered that proceedings be held in camera, and strictly directed that no names or identities of witnesses be published to safeguard them and their families.

Following the ruling, Presiding Judge James Alala ordered members of the public and media personnel to vacate the courtroom immediately; the order was complied with.

Judge Alala stated that witnesses will now testify only in the presence of the prosecution, the defense team, and the accused persons.

Dr. Riek Machar, who has been under house detention since March 2025, faces charges of murder, treason, and crimes against humanity, alongside seven co-accused.

The charges stem from a March 2025 attack on a South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) garrison in Nasir County, Upper Nile State.

Prosecutors allege the attack, carried out by the White Army and elements of the SPLM/A-IO, killed 257 soldiers—including the garrison commander, Maj. Gen. David Majur—and destroyed military property. Dr. Machar denies all charges.

The court did not indicate how long the closed-door sessions would last. Public hearings are expected to resume once the protected witnesses have concluded their testimony.