JUBA – The Special Court adjudicating the case against suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused SPLM/A-IO officials, has adjourned the hearing to tomorrow, September 23.
This is because the prosecution team were not able to immediately provide a written objection to the defense’s submission to have the charges quashed over the court’s lack of jurisdiction and questionable competence.
Early into the first court appearance, the defense team had submitted a complaint, urging the special court to throw out the case against Machar and his co-accused.
Lead Defense Lawyer Dr. Geri Raimondo argued that the First Vice President and his co-accused are immune to trial in accordance with several provisions of the 2018 revitalized agreement.
Raimondo stated that Machar can only be tried for any crime, by the yet-to-be established Hybrid Court which was mandated by the 2018 agreement.
The defense further stated that the agreement provides that Machar can only be tried in court upon his impeachment by two-third majority in parliament and dismissal.
In response, the prosecution requested the panel of judges to proceed with the trial, insisting that it is competent.
