The Special Court in Juba has granted permission for the media and members of the public to attend and report on the ongoing trial of suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny and seven other co-accused.
The decision allows full media coverage of the court session scheduled for Wednesday, 28 January 2026, marking a significant shift from previous restrictions imposed on the proceedings.
Last year, the court suspended public hearings and barred media coverage, a move the presiding judge said was necessary to protect witnesses who were testifying in the case.
Dr. Machar and the seven members of his party, the SPLM-IO, are accused of involvement in the Nasir incident, which resulted in the deaths of many people and the displacement of hundreds of civilians. The violence followed clashes between South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers and the White Army.
The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a breakthrough for media freedom and transparency in judicial processes.
In a statement, UJOSS said “The Union of Journalists of South Sudan wishes to inform all media houses and journalists that the court session for the trial of the suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny and his co-accused will be open to the press starting Wednesday, 28 January 2026.”
The Union, however, urged journalists to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations set by the court while covering the proceedings.
Media observers say the move is an important step toward ensuring public access to information and strengthening confidence in the justice system.
