Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Juba, Professor John Apuruot Akec, has urged the judicial committee overseeing the trial of suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and other SPLM-IO leaders to relocate the court proceedings away from central Juba.
The high-profile trial is currently taking place at Freedom Hall, a venue situated at a key traffic intersection in the heart of the capital. According to Professor Akec, the decision to hold court sessions at this central location is having serious negative impacts on the daily life, economy, education, and movement of residents.
“Freedom Hall is a central location and a major traffic crossing point in Juba. Holding such a high-security court session there is causing severe disruption to businesses, public services, and academic institutions,” Prof. Akec wrote in a public statement.
He noted that access to the University of Juba has been significantly affected, with both students and staff unable to reach the campus for lectures, exams, or administrative work due to road closures and restricted movement in the surrounding areas.
“The University of Juba, both students and staff, are unable to access the campus for teaching, working, or attending lectures and exams,” he added.
Professor Akec further suggested that the judiciary should consider alternative venues for the proceedings in less congested areas, such as New Site or Luri, which are located on the outskirts of the city.
“The judicial committee responsible for this decision should reconsider relocating the venue to peripheral locations of Juba, such as New Site or Luri away from the city center to minimize disruption and maintain public order,” he recommended.
The ongoing trial of Dr. Machar and his co-accused, all senior members of the SPLM-IO, has attracted national and international attention. It is also raising logistical and political concerns, including traffic congestion, public safety, and media access, following a controversial decision to bar independent journalists from the courtroom.
