Prosecution, defense clash over courtroom cameras in Nasir case

 The prosecution and defense have disagreed over the presence and ownership of cameras in the courtroom as the Special Court hearing the Nasir events case considers a request by the fifth defendant to give his testimony by video.

Defense lawyer Dr. Geri Raimondo Legge told the court on Wednesday that three cameras were present in the courtroom — two belonging to the state broadcaster, SSBC, and another allegedly operated by the prosecution.

Legge asked the court to provide recordings from the previous 106 sessions, arguing that access is necessary to ensure equality before the law and the Constitution.

Prosecutor Ajo Ohisa disputed the defense’s claims, saying the issue of whether the prosecution had a camera in the courtroom was newly introduced by the defense.

Ohisa also said the prosecution had not received the defense’s response to its submission on the fifth defendant’s request to testify by video.

The prosecution submitted its written response during the 106th session, but its contents have not been made public.

The court had earlier adjourned the matter to allow the prosecution time to respond to the video-testimony request.

Following Wednesday’s arguments, the court adjourned proceedings until August 17.

The Special Court for the Nasir events began hearing the case on September 29, 2025. Suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused face more than 20 charges, including treason, murder, terrorism and crimes against humanity.