JUBA – The Special Court has adjourned legal proceedings against SPLM/A-IO officials to Monday, September 29, where the panel of judges will make a ruling on objections submitted by the defense and prosecution teams on the question of the court’s jurisdiction.
The decision was made during the third session in the legal proceedings against suspended Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and six other opposition officials and officers, who appeared in a cage for the last three days.
Shortly into the session, the prosecution team raised a formal objection against two members of Dr. Riek Machar’s defense team, arguing that their licenses have expired and therefore they should be barred from participating in the trial.
The defense lawyers being sought to quit or renew their licenses are Deng John Deng and Warnyang Kiir Warnyang. They are yet to respond to the claim.
According to the prosecution, the pair’s continued involvement in the proceedings is “illegal” and undermines the legitimacy of the defense team. The court is yet to rule on whether the two advocates will be allowed to remain on Machar’s legal team.
