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| Nasir County MP. Hon. Gatwech Lam Puoch |
JUBA, South Sudan
The Special Court trying First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused has granted Nasir County Member of Parliament Gatwech Lam Puoch permission to briefly visit his family following the death of his brother-in-law.
Gatwech, who is the third accused in the high-profile trial, requested temporary leave to attend to family matters and offer condolences after the passing of his relative.
Court Allows Humanitarian Request
During Monday’s session, the defense team formally appealed for a compassionate leave on Gatwech’s behalf, citing the family tragedy.
The court approved the request, allowing the MP to travel under restricted conditions before resuming trial proceedings.
A court official confirmed that the decision was purely humanitarian, emphasizing that it would not interfere with the ongoing case schedule.
“The court has considered the circumstances surrounding the request and has decided to grant the accused limited time to attend to his bereavement,” the presiding judge stated.
Background on the Trial
MP Gatwech Lam is one of eight high-profile individuals, including First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny, facing trial before the Special Court in Juba over alleged war crimes and related offenses committed during the 2013–2016 conflict period.
The proceedings, which have entered a critical phase, are being closely watched both domestically and internationally due to their potential implications on South Sudan’s transitional justice process.
Legal analysts say the court’s recent gestures, including allowing temporary leave for humanitarian reasons demonstrate a commitment to fair judicial standards while maintaining strict procedural control.
Compassion in the Midst of a Sensitive Trial
The temporary leave granted to Gatwech underscores the court’s effort to balance legal accountability with human compassion.
Family members of the accused expressed appreciation for the decision, calling it “a sign of humanity within a difficult judicial process.”
Meanwhile, the defense team reaffirmed their client’s commitment to fully cooperate with the court once his brief family visit concludes.
What’s Next
The trial is expected to resume later this week, with prosecutors continuing to present evidence and witness testimonies.
Observers say the case remains a major test for South Sudan’s judiciary as it seeks to handle politically sensitive trials within the framework of the peace agreement.
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