Ginaba Lino|CRN| Independent journalists have been denied access to cover the first court hearing of suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar on Monday, prompting strong backlash from media associations and civil society leaders.
Reporters from both local and international media houses were turned away at the gates of the Freedom Hall, as security officials enforced a directive allowing only journalists from the state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) inside the courtroom.
Nyibang Tulba, Press Secretary in the Office of Justice, confirmed that the restriction was based on a previously undisclosed requirement for clearance from the Ministry of Information.
“We were told all journalists must be cleared by the Ministry,” Tulba said. “This communication was not shared with us earlier, and I myself was denied entry.”
The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) condemned the move, calling it a “direct attack” on press freedom and a violation of Articles 24 and 32 of the country’s Transitional Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and access to information.
“Our members serve diverse media houses and audiences. This denial is unacceptable,” UJOSS said in a statement, criticizing the Ministry of Justice for enabling the restriction.
The case involves Dr. Machar and several co-accused members of the SPLM-IO, charged in connection with violence that broke out in Nasir earlier this year.
His legal team has denied all allegations, calling the charges politically motivated.
Civil society also raised concerns. Edmond Yakani, Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), criticized the lack of transparency and urged citizens to refrain from spreading misinformation or hate speech surrounding the case.
“We were told this trial would be open, yet journalists were blocked. Citizens must be vigilant and avoid disinformation,” Yakani told reporters.
He also appealed to the judiciary to uphold its independence and credibility by ensuring public and media access to future court proceedings.
“If the court is open to the public, that openness must be real—not selective,” he said. “Transparency builds trust in the justice system.”
CEPO further urged citizens attending the hearings to act responsibly and respect court processes, while calling on authorities to lift media restrictions to reinforce democratic values and the rule of law.