By William Madouk
The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) has announced that court sessions for the trial of suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and his co-accused will be open to the press starting Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
UJOSS Chairperson Oyet Patrick Charles urged journalists and media houses to cover the proceedings responsibly, adhering strictly to court rules and regulations.
“The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) wishes to inform all media houses and journalists that court sessions for the trial of the suspended Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar and his co-accused will be open to the press starting Wednesday, January 28, 2026,” Oyet said.
“While media personnel are encouraged to cover the proceedings, UJOSS emphasizes that all journalists must strictly adhere to the rules and regulations established by the court,” he added.
Earlier this month, on January 12, the special court had barred public and media access to Machar’s trial, citing the need to protect prosecution witnesses.
At that time, six of the 16 witnesses—members of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) had already testified without protective measures.
During the 37th session, Judge Stephen Simon explained that certain sessions would be held in-camera to safeguard witnesses from threats and intimidation.
“Publishing any information that could reveal witness identities or harm them or their families is prohibited. Anyone who violates this order shall be deemed to have committed an offense,” Simon said.
Prosecutors had reported incidents of witness intimidation, including attacks on witnesses and their relatives, both inside South Sudan and abroad.
They also raised concerns about the circulation of witnesses’ names on social media, creating a climate of fear that could hinder testimony.
The defense had opposed the restriction, arguing that South Sudan’s Constitution guarantees open and public trials.
The court emphasized that protective measures must be necessary, balanced, and applied case by case, rather than as a blanket restriction.