00:00The criminal trial of South Sudan suspended Vice President Riyak Mashar began in the capital Monday
00:06as he appeared in a cage alongside his co-accused defendants.
00:11It was the first time Mashar had been seen in public since he was placed under house arrest in March.
00:17Mashar's lawyers said the court lacked jurisdiction on the matter.
00:21His Excellency, Dr. Riyak Mashar, the first Vice President of the Republic,
00:30should not be tried by this incompetent court which lacks jurisdiction.
00:37The trial was televised nationally.
00:39In addition to treason, Mashar and seven others faced charges of crimes against humanity,
00:44murder, conspiracy, terrorism, destruction of public property and military assets.
00:50My Lord, this argument is weak and lacks substance.
00:56The members of this Special Court are all justices of the Supreme Court.
01:00And therefore, competent to determine the matter by virtue of the laws as stated.
01:06Even if the powers given are powers of the High Court, the High Court has unlimited jurisdiction.
01:11The defense argued Mashar cannot be criminally charged without hurting the spirit of a 2018 peace deal
01:16between Riyak Mashar and Salvaqir to end a deadly civil war that claimed the lives of at least 400,000 people.
01:23The proceedings were then adjourned until Tuesday.
01:27The proceedings were then adjourned until Tuesday.
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