UJOSS slams media blackout as Machar trial starts in Juba

September 22, 2025 in Foreign News by Editor

The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) has condemned the government’s decision to block independent journalists from covering the trial of suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, calling it a violation of press freedom and the principle of open justice.

The criminal trial opened in Juba on Monday, marking the first public appearance of Dr. Machar since he was placed under house arrest in March. He appeared in the dock alongside several co-accused in a case that has drawn widespread public attention.

According to UJOSS, its members who went to cover the proceedings were denied entry and told that only journalists from the state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) would be allowed inside.

“We appreciate the access given to SSBC, but our members work for and serve various media houses and audiences,” UJOSS Chairperson Oyet Patrick Charles said in a statement. “The denial of access to court for journalists is a direct attack on freedom of the press as enshrined in Articles 24 and 32 of the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan, 2011, as amended.”

UJOSS expressed particular concern that the restriction was enforced by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs — the institution mandated to safeguard the constitution. It warned that barring independent media from such a high-profile trial undermines public confidence in the judiciary.

The union urged the government to reverse the restrictions and grant full access to all journalists covering the Machar case and other trials of public interest.

Dr. Machar, a central figure in South Sudan’s fragile political transition, was suspended from office earlier this month. His trial is widely seen as a test of the country’s commitment to transparency and the rule of law.

“Open justice and press freedom are cornerstones of democracy,” Oyet said. “Silencing the media at this critical moment only fuels speculation and erodes trust.”