Dr Riek Machar appears in court for the first time since his March house arrest |Courtesy

The presiding judge in the trial of suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar has announced that the court is open to the public, including the media, citing the constitution, Media Authority Act, the National Communication Act, the Access to Information Act, the Penal Code Act, and the National Security Act.

This statement comes amid concerns raised by the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), which condemned the denial of access to journalists earlier today.

The union stated that such actions undermine the principles of open justice and press freedom.

According to UJOSS, its members who arrived to cover the commencement of the trial of Dr. Riek Machar and his co-accused were denied entry into the court premises.

“Our members were told that only journalists from the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) were allowed to cover the court proceedings,” UJOSS said.

The union described the move as a direct violation of press freedom as enshrined in Articles 24 and 32 of the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan, 2011 (as amended).

“UJOSS condemns this act unequivocally, especially when the denial is facilitated by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs — the very institution tasked with upholding the constitution,” the statement added.

Presiding Judge James Alala, during the opening of the trial, stated:

“The court is open to everybody, including the media. Media houses are required not only to operate in accordance with national laws — such as the Constitution, the Media Authority Act, the National Communication Act, the Access to Information Act, the Penal Code Act, the National Security Act, and any other relevant legislation — but also in accordance with international law.”