One of the defendants in the high-profile trial linked to suspended First Vice President Riek Machar has strongly denied authoring or sharing WhatsApp messages presented by prosecutors. The lawmaker argued that the digital evidence lacks reliable forensic support.
The denial was made by Gatwech Lam Puoch during the 92nd session of his trial.
Lam, a member of parliament, is among those charged in connection with the March 2025 attack on a South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) garrison in Nasir.
During an earlier session (the 48th), South African digital forensic expert Ratlhogo Peter Calvin presented video clips, audio recordings, and WhatsApp messages reportedly extracted from phones belonging to Lam.
The expert testified that Lam had shared sensitive military details with individuals allegedly linked to the White Army militia.
He also claimed the messages showed Lam passing information about SSPDF activities and movements to people connected with the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO).
On Friday, Lam firmly rejected these claims, insisting he had no role in creating, sending, or forwarding the messages in question.
“I firmly reject this alleged communication and reaffirm that I didn’t author, send, forward or share such messages. It is a fabrication jointly manufactured by the prosecution team and the digital forensic expert,” he told the court.
Lam contended that digital messages by themselves cannot prove criminal intent or involvement without additional supporting evidence.
He described the prosecution’s communication evidence as unreliable, pointing to serious inconsistencies and gaps in the digital forensic report that undermine its credibility.
He specifically challenged one message that referred to the SSPDF as a “militia,” noting that the wording and spelling did not match his style and were inconsistent with his position as a parliamentarian.
“As a member of parliament, I can’t and could not describe the SSPDF as a militia,” Lam stated.
He emphasized that one of his constitutional duties involves reviewing, enacting, and amending laws, making it illogical for him to undermine or misname a legally established national institution.
Lam added that such an attribution contradicts his legislative responsibilities, public record, and overall conduct.
He also denied involvement in any discussions about military operations, claiming the messages cited by prosecutors were associated with unrelated phone numbers.
Presiding Judge Deng adjourned the hearing until June 29, when Lam is scheduled to continue his defence presentation.
Lam, listed in court records as 66 years old, along with his co-accused, faces serious charges including murder, conspiracy, terrorism, treason, destruction of public property, and crimes against humanity.
Riek Machar remains under house arrest, while the other defendants are detained at National Security Service facilities in Juba.
The full list of defendants includes: Puot Kang Chuol (40), Mam Pal Dhuor (37), Gatwech Lam Puoch (66), Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam (53), Camilo Gatmai Kel (47), Mading Yak Riek (45), and Dominic Gatgok Riek (27).
Prosecutors claim that forces allied with SPLA-IO and the White Army killed 257 SSPDF soldiers — including commander Gen. David Majur Dak — and destroyed or seized military equipment valued at approximately $58 million during the Nasir garrison attack in March 2025.