JUBA – The defense team of seven indicted SPLM-IO officials including Dr. Riek Machar has called on the special court to throw out the charges, citing the tribunal’s lack of jurisdiction.
During the first court appearance, Dr. Geri Raimondo, the lead defense lawyer, said the First Vice President and his co-accused are immune to trial in accordance with several provisions of the 2018 revitalized agreement.
Raimondo argued 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 special court is incompetent for the trial of the First Vice President, adding that the agreement provides that Machar can only be tried in court upon his impeachment by two-third majority in parliament and dismissal.
However, the prosecution requested the panel of judges to proceed with the trial, insisting that it is competent.
