Proceedings in the trial of opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar were adjourned on Friday after the court cited disarray and inconsistencies in prosecution documents.
A digital report presented to the court on Wednesday by the prosecution’s final witness, digital forensic expert Ratlhogo Peter Calvin Rafadi, highlighted discrepancies in the pages and content between the original document and its copy.
The presiding judge suspended the session shortly after it began, saying files submitted by the prosecution were improperly arranged, missing pagination or lacked clear referencing, making it difficult for the court and the defence team to follow the evidence presented.
Judge Stephen Simon Isaac, a member of the three-judge panel, said the court had adjourned proceedings to Monday, February 16, 2026, to allow time for reviewing and rearranging the documents.
“This session was fixed for the defence to cross-examine the witness, but for some reason, we can’t go ahead with cross-examination because of some complication in the document,” Stephen said.
Deng John Deng, Machar’s lawyer, said there were discrepancies in the pages and content between the original document and the copy.
“Therefore, as there is a difference between the original and the copy, we pray to this honorable court to avail for us a copy of the original report of the eight accused persons to enable us, the defence, to cross-examine the witness,” Deng said.
Machar, 73, and the others face serious allegations including treason, crimes against humanity, mass murder, terrorism and destruction of property.
The charges stem from a March 2025 assault on an army base in Nasir that resulted in the deaths of a commander and dozens of soldiers.
The court is composed of three judges: James Alala (Presiding Judge), Stephen Simon Isaac and Pur Majok.
The public prosecution team consists of 13 prosecutors, including Deng Achuil Adija, Dr. Sabri Wani Lado, Serafino Simon Mizan and Filberto Mayuot Mareng.
Other members include Advocate Ajo Ony’Ohisa Igele, Advocate Gabriel Mading Apach, Judge Advocate Deng Mabior Deng, Ustaz Philip Anyang Ngong, Advocate Ajak Mayol Bior, Advocate Martha Jobet Jeramiah, James Bone Michael, Advocate Peter Garang and Counsel Butrouse Yai Adhiew.
The defence team for Machar and the other accused is composed of six lawyers: Dr. Geri Raimondo Legge, Attorney Kur Lual Kur, Attorney Anis Tombe Augustino, Attorney Deng John Deng, Attorney Warnyang Kiir Warnyang and Attorney Regina Akeriaw Deng.
The case also involves investigators supporting the prosecution, including Brigadier General John Dak and Major General Basilio Thomas Wani, the lead investigator.
Captain Richard Gachi Apollo, a legal captain from the Internal Security Service, is listed as a complainant.
The eight defendants are Puot Kang Chuol, 40; Mam Pal Dhuor, 37; Gatwech Lam Puoch, 66; Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, 53; Riek Machar Teny, 73; Camilo Gatmai Kel, 47; Mading Yak Riek, 45; and Dominic Gatgok Riek, 27.