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

The 94th session of the trial of suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and co-accused was adjourned on Friday after one of the three judges, Judge Isaac Pur Majak, fell ill.

The Special Court had been expected to rule on a prosecution request seeking to have the defendants submit their defence statements in writing instead of presenting them orally, arguing that the move would speed up the trial.

All eight defendants, lawyers from both the prosecution and defence, and members of the public were present when the session opened.

After taking attendance, Judge Stephen Simon informed the court that Judge Isaac Pur was unwell, leading to the adjournment.

The court had also been scheduled to continue hearing the defence testimony of the third defendant, former Member of Parliament Gatwech Lam Puoch.

The Special Court is hearing a case related to the March 2025 attack on the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) garrison in Nasir, Upper Nile State.

Prosecutors say the attack killed Major General David Majur Dak and 257 soldiers and led to the loss or destruction of military equipment worth an estimated 58 million US dollars.

The eight defendants include suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, former MP Gatwech Lam Puoch, SPLA-IO Chief of Staff General Gabriel Duop Lam, National Security Service officer Kamilo Gatmai Kuel, businessman Mam Pal Dor, Madeng Yak Riak, and Dominic Gatkuoth Riak.

They face charges including murder, treason, conspiracy, financing terrorism, terrorism, crimes against humanity, and destruction of public and military property.

Prosecutors allege the accused planned, coordinated, or supported the attack on the Nasir garrison on 3 and 4 March 2025.

The defendants have denied all charges, telling the court they did not plan or coordinate the attack and describing the case as politically motivated.

Since the trial began, the court has heard testimony from 13 prosecution witnesses and defence testimony from three defendants.

The case remains before the Special Court, and no verdict has been delivered.

Under the law, all the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a final court ruling.