Defense lawyer Geri Raimondo greets his client, Dr Riek Machar, after the 4th session|Eye Radio

Defense lawyers in the Nasir incident trial have told the Special Court that they continue to face difficulties meeting their clients privately despite previous court orders granting them access.

During Wednesday’s hearing, defense advocate Kur Lual Kur said lawyers recently sought permission to meet the fifth accused, Dr. Riek Machar, at his residence after receiving authorization from the court.

However, he told the court that security officers denied them access, saying they were acting on “orders from above.”

Kur also informed the court that when defense lawyers are allowed to meet accused persons at the National Security headquarters, commonly known as the Blue House, the meetings are conducted in the presence of National Security officers.

He asked the court to ensure that future consultations between lawyers and their clients take place only in the presence of court police to safeguard lawyer-client confidentiality.

Responding to the concerns, Presiding Judge James Alala reminded security authorities that only the court has the authority to approve meetings between defense lawyers and accused persons.

Judge Alala said once the defense submits an official request and the court grants approval, no individual or institution should prevent lawyers from accessing their clients, whether at Amarat or the Blue House.

He stressed that every accused person has the right to communicate with their legal representatives and ordered that court-approved meetings should not be obstructed.

The judge also reiterated that defense lawyers are permitted to bring newspapers and exchange documents with their clients, but all materials must first be inspected by court police before being handed over.

Judge Alala reminded both the prosecution and defense that access to accused persons remains under the authority of the court and warned against interference with the process.