No reasons were offered for booting out journalists, but reliable sources said that presiding Judge James Alala instructed scribes not to record but to take notes for their reporting.
However, there has been an audio leak of Dr Machar’s comments to the court while defending himself, which seemingly resulted to prompt restrictions on journalists from independent media houses.
“We were told to cover without recording, taking videos and photos. We were only allowed to take notes. It was a closed-door session. Others recorded and shared the audio on social media,” one journalist said.
Security officers first advised reporters who arrived early that they could enter only if they relinquished mobile phones, cameras, and recording devices, which numerous journalists did by entering as ordinary residents.
In rebuttal, South Sudanese human rights activist, Ter Manyang expressed deep concern over the ongoing restrictions placed on independent media covering the trial of Riek Machar, despite earlier promises by judges that the proceedings would be open to the public.
“I urge the court to remain committed to its promise of transparency,” said Manyang.
“The public has the right to be informed about what is happening inside the courtroom. Journalists play a crucial role in ensuring this transparency by providing accurate and timely updates,” he said.
He warned that continued restrictions on media access could undermine public trust in the judicial process.
“Without openness, the public may begin to doubt the fairness and legitimacy of the trial. It compromises the dignity of the court and the accountability of the government,” Manyang added.
He further called on security personnel to act professionally and in accordance with the law. “Security forces must support, not obstruct, the lawful work of journalists. Their conduct should reflect the principles of justice and respect for press freedom.”
The activist appealed to the government to allow open access to the courtroom for both the media and the public.
It is the second time journalists have been blocked from covering the high-profile court proceedings after they were denied access to the venue at the commencement of the hearing last month.
The move is not only a violation of press freedom and access to information but also contradicts the presiding Judge’s sentiment that the court was open to the public, and a previous statement by Justice Minister Dr. Joseph Geng Akech that the court will be open for all accredited media houses.
In the last session, the prosecution team trying suspend First Vice President Riek Machar and seven co-accused on Monday presented a series of documents and exhibits before a special court.
Among the exhibits were an autopsy report and a death certificate for the late Major General David Majur Dak, along with records of 256 soldiers reportedly killed during clashes with the White Army in Nasir in March.
Additional materials included an administrative report from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), which contained videos, audio recordings, and alleged funding records linking the accused to the SPLM-IO. The submitted documents comprised 14 attachments and an expert report on digital forensic analysis with 15 additional attachments.
However, Machar’s defence lawyer, Anis Tombe Augustino, objected to the inclusion of certain documents, particularly one that authorised Peter Malual as SSPDF representative in the Nasir case and recognised Col. Tor Gile Thoan as a former SPLA-IO member before his role as a White Army commander.
Presiding Judge James Alala Deng admitted all the prosecution documents except those containing audio and video evidence and the digital forensic analysis, pending testimony from the expert witness.
