24/04/2026
JUBA - Judges at the Special Court on Friday raised procedural and technical questions over digital forensic evidence presented by the prosecution in the case involving suspended First Vice President Riek Machar and seven co‑accused.
The court concluded the cross‑examination of the prosecution’s final witness, digital forensic expert Calvin Rafadi, who testified about the examination of electronic devices linked to the accused.
Presiding Judge Stephen Binjigwa questioned why Rafadi’s forensic report had not been formally authenticated when it was submitted to an investigation committee in Juba in August 2025, and asked whether Rafadi was familiar with the procedures required for submitting foreign documents to the court.
Rafadi said he was aware that authentication was required, but told the court he needed to verify the specific procedures applicable in South Sudan.
The judge also asked how passwords for the seized devices were obtained. Rafadi told the court the passwords had been written on the backs of the phones and kept in sealed evidence bags.
Judge James Alala questioned whether the devices may have been tampered with and raised concerns about the scope of the data analysis, noting that only devices belonging to the accused had been examined.
Rafadi said he found no evidence that the devices had been altered and explained that he examined only the devices that were physically available to him.
Asked about the findings of his analysis, Rafadi told the court that he did not identify any direct communications ordering attacks in Nasir, but cited evidence of real‑time information sharing through WhatsApp. He added that his work complied with professional standards, provided that proper chain‑of‑custody procedures were followed.
At the end of the session, the defence requested a one‑week adjournment to prepare the accused before they take the stand and asked that future proceedings be broadcast live on the national broadcaster, SSBC. The prosecution opposed the requests.
The court adjourned proceedings until Monday, April 27, when judges are expected to deliver a ruling.
The trial began in September 2025 and has heard testimony from 14 prosecution witnesses.
