Hon. Gatwech Lam Puoch, a former SPLM-IO lawmaker who represented Nasir County in the National Legislative Assembly, during one of his appearances in the Special Court in Juba. (Photo: Courtesy)

The third accused in the ongoing Special Court trial over the Nasir garrison attack, Gatwech Lam, has denied allegations that he supported, encouraged, or participated in activities linked to the 2025 Nasir crisis, asking the court to dismiss the case against him.

Lam, a Member of Parliament, concluded his defense statement on Wednesday during the 96th session of the Special Court, where he rejected the prosecution’s claims against him.

The prosecution has accused Lam of involvement in matters connected to the Nasir attack and crisis through alleged communications and digital materials presented as evidence before the court.

However, Lam told the court that his involvement with Nasir-related issues existed long before the events of 2025 and was focused on peacebuilding, dialogue, reconciliation, and regional stability.

He said he had never supported, approved, or encouraged violence against the people of South Sudan.

“Throughout my tenure in parliament, my role has been focused on promoting peace, dialogue, reconciliation, and regional stability,” Lam told the court.

Lam challenges digital evidence

Addressing digital evidence presented by the prosecution, including alleged messages, videos, images, and audio recordings extracted from his mobile phones, Lam disputed their authenticity and reliability.

He denied creating, sending, or distributing the materials presented against him.

Lam told the court that his phone remained in the custody of the National Security Service from the time of his arrest until it was submitted before the court.

He alleged that passwords to access the device were obtained forcibly by a National Security officer who later appeared before the court as a protected witness.

Based on this, Lam argued that the device could have been accessed and that the alleged digital evidence may have been inserted, fabricated, or altered while it was under exclusive control of security authorities.

Requests to the court

Lam asked the court to dismiss the charges against him, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case.

He also requested the court to uphold his parliamentary immunity regarding statements made in his official capacity as a legislator.

In addition, he asked the court to exclude the digital evidence report, citing concerns over its authenticity, reliability, and admissibility.

Lam said the written document submitted by his defense team was only intended as a guide for his oral presentation to ensure clarity and avoid omissions.

Trial continues

In his closing remarks, Lam thanked the court, the defense team, the prosecution, and members of the public attending the proceedings.

He maintained that the allegations against him were baseless.

The presiding judge adjourned the trial until Friday, July 17, when the court is expected to continue examining the third accused.

The court will also consider the prosecution’s pending application and decide whether the remaining accused will deliver oral statements or submit written defenses before further cross-examination of Lam proceeds.