SECURITY BARS INDEPENDENT MEDIA FROM MACHAR TRIAL DESPITE OPEN -COURT PROMISE

Eye Radio

Security personnel barred independent journalists from covering the eighth hearing of the special Court trying First vice president Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused at Freedom Hall this morning, a move that Contradicts earlier assurances from the judge.

Reporters who arrived early at the venue were initially told by security officers that they could enter
only if they surendered mobile phones, cameras, and recording devices, a condition several journalists complied with by entering as ordinary citizens.

However, security personnel soon ordered all journalists to leave.
While reporters from independent media outlets were barred, those from the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) were later permitted to enter the proceedings.

This action stands in stark contradiction to earlier statements by both the presiding judge and the ministry of justice who had assured that the proceedings were open to the public and the press.

The move follows a warning issued during the previous session by presiding judge James Alala, who cautioned
that the special court might resort to closed sessions.

That warning came after an audio recording of the First vice president's testimony which was read by the lead investigator was leaked despite the Judge stressing that the sitting was on-camera meaning no recording or filming was permitted.

Wednesday's session the eight since the trial began was expected to continue with the prosecution and the investigator presenting further evidence against Dr. Machar and his co-accused.