Suspended first Vice President Dr Riek Machar stands behind bars at Freedom Hall during his trial and seven other leaders of the SPLM-IO - Photo credit: Eye Radio/Awan Moses

JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) – Prosecutors have opposed an application by Dr. Riek Machar and his legal team seeking permission to audio and video record the remaining proceedings of the Special Tribunal hearing the Nasir events case.

The matter arose during the tribunal’s 105th session after Machar’s defence team submitted a written application requesting that the court allow recordings of the remaining hearings.

The prosecution acknowledged receiving the application but asked the tribunal to allow time to file a written response at the next session.

While responding to the charges against him, Machar personally defended the request, arguing that recording the proceedings would support judicial reforms and improve the accuracy of court records.

He said audio and video recording could reduce the burden on judges, preserve testimonies, and prevent possible interference with court records.

“The equipment donated to the judiciary can support judicial reforms by reducing the workload of judges in recording proceedings and ensuring an accurate and continuous record of the trial,” Machar told the tribunal.

He also said recordings would have legal and academic value and could, in future, be used to educate the public when the political and security environment permits.

However, prosecution representative Ajo Ohisa objected to Machar raising the matter during his testimony, arguing that the application had already been submitted by his defence lawyers and should follow the established court procedure.

“The request should be dealt with according to the established procedures and not raised separately by the defendant,” Ohisa told the court.

The prosecution asked the tribunal to strike Machar’s oral request from the record and urged him to proceed with responding to the charges.

The tribunal did not immediately rule on the application and adjourned the case until August 10, when it is expected to consider submissions from both the defence and the prosecution.