JUBA – The Special Court hearing the case against SPLM/A-IO officials has adjourned the trial to Wednesday, 1st October, upon the prosecution’s request.
This comes after presiding judge James Alala Deng dismissed an objection by the defense for the case to be dismissed citing lack of competence and jurisdiction.
The prosecution briefly presented its case after the court ruling gave the green light, but it requested an adjournment to prepare evidence in the case.
Reacting to the case, the defense team complained that due process against their clients has not been followed and urged the prosecution to adhere to the principle of treating an accused innocent until proven guilty by the court.
Machar and seven top military and political officials were indicted early in September on serious charges of murder, treason, and crimes against humanity, following the conclusion of an investigation on the fighting in Nasir County.
The SPLM-IO leader and Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol were then suspended from office by President Kiir on September 11, to allow the legal proceedings against them.