Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba, Professor John Akec, has called on judicial authorities to reconsider the choice of venue for the ongoing trial of suspended First Vice President Riek Machar and seven of his co-accused.
The proceedings, which began on Monday at Freedom Hall, have led to widespread mobility challenges across Juba after security forces blocked off major roads leading to the site.
The disruptions continued into Tuesday and most certainly on Wednesday following the adjournment of the hearing by presiding judge, James Alala, over the absence of independent media and restriction of public access to the venue.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Prof. Akec, who also previously served as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the National Communication Authority (NCA), warned that holding the high-profile trial at a central traffic hub was exacting heavy social and economic costs on city residents.
“A central location and cross point of traffic from and to all directions of Juba city as the venue to conduct the court proceedings… is negatively impacting the economic, social, environmental, and security life of citizens of Juba,” Akec said.
He explained that the closures had made it difficult for people to access workplaces, businesses, and essential services, while the University of Juba was among the worst-affected institutions.
“The University’s students and staff are unable to access the campus for teaching, working, or attending lectures or exams,” he noted.
Akec urged the judicial committee responsible for selecting the venue to relocate the trial to less disruptive sites such as New Site or Luri, which are located on the outskirts of the capital. He argued that such a move would ensure the legal process proceeds without paralysing normal life in the city.
The trial of Machar and his co-accused, linked to the violence between the White Army and SSPDF in Upper Nile’s Nasir County in March this year, is being closely watched both nationally and internationally.
However, the unprecedented security measures around the hearings have stirred debate over balancing public safety with the rights and livelihoods of ordinary citizens as the hearing enters its third day on Wednesday.
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