JUBA — The defense team in the ongoing trial of eight senior SPLM/A-IO officials has accused security authorities of mistreating seven of the accused persons currently detained at the National Security Service (NSS) facility.
Addressing the Special Court on Monday, defense lawyer Advocate Dr. Geri Raimondo Legge alleged that security officers confiscated his clients’ books, denied them the opportunity to wear suits during court appearances, and at times subjected them to humiliating treatment, including forced nudity.
Dr. Raimondo urged the court to intervene, calling on the presiding judge to direct the security agency to return the confiscated books and put an end to what he described as degrading and inhumane treatment of the detainees.
However, the prosecution team strongly rejected the allegations. Advocate Ajo Ohisa Igele told the court that the claims of mistreatment were unsubstantiated and misleading. He maintained that the accused persons are treated in a dignified manner and enjoy all their fundamental human rights while in detention.
According to the prosecution, the detainees have access to sunlight, adequate food, and medication of their choice. Advocate Igele further stated that the accused are neither chained nor compelled to wear prison uniforms, despite facing serious charges related to offenses against the state.
In response to the conflicting submissions, Presiding Judge Dr. James Alala Deng ruled that the court would hear directly from the accused persons themselves. He ordered that the detainees be provided with writing materials to document their experiences and submit their accounts to the court.
Meanwhile, the defense team has also filed a formal written application seeking permission to visit all eight accused persons at their respective detention facilities.
The case continues as the court considers both the allegations raised by the defense and the prosecution’s rebuttal.