JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — Amnesty International on Friday called for a public trial of a South Sudanese opposition figure facing treason and other criminal charges, in a case that some worry could deepen political tensions in the east African country.
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir announced Thursday that he suspended Riek Machar as the country’s first vice president, effectively ending the transitional government of unity that forestalled a return to full-blown war.
In addition to treason, Machar and seven others face charges of murder, conspiracy, terrorism, destruction of public property and military assets and crimes against humanity. Authorities have kept Machar and his wife under house arrest since March, and concern for his safety is growing because he has not been seen in public for months.
Authorities did not say when Machar’s trial is due to start.
“We remind the authorities of their obligation of the right to a public hearing,” Amnesty’s regional office said in a statement. “This means that not only the parties and victims in the case, but also the general public, independent observers and the media have the right to be present during criminal trials.”
