Summary
A court in South Sudan has decided it can proceed with the trial of former Vice-President Riek Machar and others on charges of murder, treason, and crimes against humanity. Machar's legal team argued against the court's authority and claimed he was immune, but the court rejected these claims. Machar remains under house arrest, and the situation has caused concerns about potential renewed conflict in South Sudan.
Key Facts
- A South Sudan court ruled it can try ex-Vice-President Riek Machar and others for murder, treason, and crimes against humanity.
- Machar's legal team argued the court lacked authority and claimed he was immune from prosecution.
- The alleged crimes are linked to an attack in March by a militia reportedly connected to Machar, resulting in the death of 250 soldiers and a general.
- The defense suggested the case go to a hybrid court under the African Union as per a 2018 Peace Agreement, but this court has not been set up.
- The court dismissed Machar's immunity claim, saying it only applies to the president.
- Two of Machar's lawyers were expelled for not having valid licenses.
- The charges have raised concerns about a possible return to civil war in South Sudan.
- The UN, African Union, and nearby countries are urging calm in the nation, which became independent in 2011.
