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...
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Mass Demonstrations Rock Bentiu Over Arrest and Trial of Dr. Riek Machar, SPLM-IO Leaders

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‎Bentiu, Unity State – September 25, 2025

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‎Mass protests erupted in Bentiu on Thursday morning as thousands of residents poured into the streets demanding the immediate release of Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, the suspended First Vice President, along with seven senior SPLM-IO officials currently facing trial for treason in Juba.

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‎The demonstrators denounced the ongoing legal proceedings as unlawful and a clear violation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) signed in 2018. 

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‎The protesters carried placards and banners some of which have gone viral on social media calling on the government to drop the charges, release the detained leaders, and recommit to the peace accord.

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‎“We are out today to say that the arrest of our leaders is unjust and threatens the peace deal,” one protester told local reporters. “The government must stop this trial and respect the agreement that brought us peace.”

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‎The march, which began at Bentiu’s main market, quickly grew into a large-scale demonstration, with citizens chanting pro-peace slogans and voicing anger over what they termed as “politically motivated charges.”

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‎Authorities in Bentiu have not yet commented on the protests, but eyewitnesses report a heavy security presence in parts of the town as the demonstration continued into the afternoon.

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‎The protests in Unity State come as the highly publicized trial of Machar and his colleagues which began this week in Juba continues to attract nationwide and international attention. 

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‎The proceedings, set to be broadcast live on state television, have already stirred sharp divisions, with Machar’s supporters insisting that the case undermines the fragile peace process.

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‎Observers warn that if tensions surrounding the trial are not managed carefully, they could further destabilize communities in Upper Nile and Unity State, where Machar commands strong grassroots support.

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