By: Ginaba Lino
The Special Court hearing the case against Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused resumed proceedings today, with the prosecution presenting several key documents linked to the deadly Nasir incident.
Among the evidence submitted was a death certificate confirming the passing of Maj. Gen. David Majur Dak, as well as official records indicating that more than 250 soldiers from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF)were killed during the Nasir clashes.
The defense challenged the admissibility of the documents, requesting the names of the deceased soldiers be disclosed. In response, the prosecution argued that the documents, issued by the Ministry of Health, are official and therefore credible.
They further stated that a representative from the SSPDF would testify later to verify the records.
Presiding Judge James Alala Deng accepted both documents as part of the trial evidence.
The prosecution also introduced evidence linking the late Tor Gile Tong to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO), identifying him as a former member who later led the White Army, the group alleged to have carried out the attack on Nasir.
Additional exhibits included a list of SPLM-IO soldiers, the names of surviving officers and personnel from Nasir, and a series of military reassignment orders issued in the State.
The prosecution further submitted digital evidence, including video files stored on a USB device and a letter signed by Dr. Riek Machar, dated March 1, 2025, which reportedly discusses preparations for receiving SSPDF forces in the area.
A technical report prepared by South African experts was also presented, but Judge Deng deferred its admission into evidence until the experts appear in court to explain its contents.
The session concluded with the court adjourning until Wednesday, October 8, to allow for the continued presentation of evidence and witness testimony.
Public interest in the case remains high, as the proceedings continue to shed light on one of South Sudan’s most tragic and politically sensitive conflicts in recent history.