Two lawyers defending suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar are at the risk of suspension due to expired licenses.
Dr. Sukri Wani Ladu, a member of the prosecution team, argued in court that allowing unlicensed lawyers to represent a case is both illegal and unfair.
He stated, “We object to the appearance of certain advocates on the defense team who are unlicensed, which violates the Advocates Act section 26 (1).”
According to the cited law, lawyers must renew their licenses by the end of January each year, and failing to do so results in automatic suspension until renewal.
The prosecution specifically named Advocates Deng John Deng and Warnyang Kiir Warnyang, requesting their removal from the defense team until their licenses are updated under the Advocates Act, 2013.
In response, Advocate Kur Lual Kur argued that the absence of renewed licenses should not infringe on the defendants’ constitutional right to representation, emphasizing the competence of the chosen advocates.
The court is set to rule on objections from both parties on Monday, September 29, 2025, when sessions resume.
Machar and seven others face serious charges, including murder and terrorism, related to the March 2025 Nasir clashes that resulted in significant casualties.
