The trial of Riek Machar, South Sudan’s suspended First Vice President, was postponed today after his legal team raised serious challenges over the court’s legitimacy and composition.

Machar appeared before the special court in Juba, along with seven co-accused, inside the defendant’s cage — his first public appearance since being placed under house arrest back in March. However, court proceedings were halted until tomorrow when Machar’s defense must receive written responses from the prosecutors to four preliminary objections.

The objections filed by Machar’s lawyers include: the court’s lack of competence and jurisdiction (given Machar’s status under the 2018 peace agreement), the participation of private lawyers on the prosecution team, and Machar’s legal immunity as vice president.

The defense is led by Dr Geri Raimondo — former Court of Appeal Justice and law professor at the University of Juba. The judges presiding are James Alala Deng (who granted the request for written responses), Stephen Simon, and Isaac Pur Majak.

On the prosecution side, the team is extensive. It is led by the Counsel General of the Ministry of Justice, Deng Achuil Adija, and includes other attorneys and legal officers alongside investigators.

Machar and seven others face serious charges related to an alleged attack on a government troops’ garrison earlier this year, including treason, conspiracy, crimes against humanity, murder, terrorism, and destruction of public assets.

The court’s decision on the defense’s preliminary objections will determine whether the case will proceed.