Nasir Trial Adjourned as MP Gatwech Lam Puoch Begins Defense ‎

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‎The Special Court handling the Nasir incident has adjourned proceedings until Monday, June 15, after the third accused, MP Gatwech Lam Puoch, began presenting his defense. ‎ ‎Gatwech, a member of the National Legislative Assembly representing Nasir County, rejected allegations linking him to activities related to the Nasir incident.  ‎ He told the court that his actions were part of his constitutional duties as an elected representative and were aimed at reducing tensions in Nasir and Ulang counties. ‎ ‎The lawmaker said a press conference cited by prosecutors was intended to encourage dialogue, address rumors, and help prevent conflict rather than incite violence.  ‎ He maintained that he was fulfilling his responsibility to represent and speak on behalf of his constituents. ‎ ‎Gatwech also argued that the Nasir crisis should be viewed within the wider context of challenges facing the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, citing concerns raised by various political act...

72 Dr. Riek Machar Bodyguards Freed After Six Months in Detention, One Dies in Custody and 22 Hospitalized




‎Juba, September 24, 2025 


Seventy-two bodyguards of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar were released on Wednesday from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) detention facility at Giada in Juba, after spending 178 days in custody.

‎The development was confirmed by Nyenagwek Manayom, Executive Director in Dr. Machar’s office, who said the guards had been held since March this year.

‎According to Nyenagwek, one of the detainees, Luka Gathok, died while in custody. 

Out of those released, 22 are currently receiving treatment at Juba Teaching Hospital, highlighting concerns over the conditions of their detention.

‎Despite the release, four of Machar’s senior bodyguards remain in custody. They have been identified as Mark Diu Yoah, Par Dang Yuot, Kuok Dang Yiel, and Hoth Chiok.

‎The release comes amid heightened political tensions, with Dr. Machar himself facing trial in Juba alongside seven senior SPLM-IO officials on treason charges.

‎Human rights observers have previously raised concerns about arbitrary detentions, prison conditions, and the treatment of political detainees in South Sudan. 

The latest development is likely to intensify scrutiny on how political cases are handled ahead of the country’s planned elections.

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