SSYR Condemns Illegal Arrest and Political Trial of Dr. Riek Machar and SPLM-IO Officials
For Immediate Release
October 28, 2025 | Juba
The South Sudan Youth Reforms (SSYR) denounces the ongoing political trial of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny and seven senior SPLM-IO officials, whose detention and prosecution continue to expose the illegality, bias, and political manipulation of the so-called “Special Court” in Juba.
During the sixteenth court session this week, the defense openly challenged the legality of the arrests, demanding clarification on whether any lawful warrants, judicial oversight, or constitutional procedures were followed. The prosecution failed to provide a credible explanation — confirming that this is not a court of law, but a court of political punishment.
Violations Exposed in Court
- Arrests made without warrants or judicial authorization
- Continued denial of access to full evidence
- Urgent medical requests for detainees ignored
- Translators denied to non-Arabic speaking defendants
- “Evidence” based on hearsay and security-driven narratives
A Court Built to Convict, Not Deliver Justice
No true legal system begins a trial with the verdict already politically predetermined. The Juba regime is not seeking truth — it is seeking submission. These proceedings violate both the Transitional Constitution and the Revitalized Peace Agreement, which guarantees legal protections for all political actors.
SSYR Position
- We condemn the illegal arrest and ongoing detention of Dr. Riek Machar and SPLM-IO officials
- We demand full constitutional due-process rights, including medical care and access to evidence
- We call for international and regional legal observers to be allowed into the courtroom
- We reaffirm that weaponizing the courts threatens peace more than any political disagreement ever could
- We hold the Juba regime responsible for deliberate judicial corruption and political persecution
Conclusion
South Sudan cannot achieve peace through intimidation, unlawful arrests, and political show trials. The future of this nation depends on justice, accountability, and respect for the rule of law — not a system where courts serve as weapons of the presidency.
📌 #SSYR #RuleOfLawNow #FreePoliticalPrisoners #EndJudicialAbuse #NoJusticeNoPeace