The defence team of Dr. Riek Machar has questioned prosecution lawyer Ajo Onyo Ohisa’s political ambitions during a dispute over a video the accused wants to present in court.

The dispute arose during Wednesday’s 121st session of the Special Court in Juba, where Machar, the fifth accused, continued reading his defence statement.

Machar asked the court to allow his lawyers to play a video featuring government officials during the funeral of Major General David Majur Dak, who was killed during the Nasir incident in March 2025.

He argued that the footage would support his defence concerning the political circumstances surrounding his case.

But prosecutor Ajo Ohisa objected, arguing that Machar should focus on the charges and evidence before the court rather than broader political issues. He accused the defence of turning the proceedings into a political rally.

Lead defence lawyer Dr. Geri Riamando rejected the objection and alleged that Ohisa intended to contest for a governorship under the ruling SPLM-IG in the upcoming elections.

Riamando argued that the case had political dimensions, describing it as a contest between the SPLM-IG and Machar’s SPLM-IO.

Ohisa accused the defence lawyer of misleading the court and the public, urging the judges to keep the proceedings focused on the law and the charges.

The three-judge panel adjourned the case to October 19, when it is expected to rule on whether Machar can play the video or must continue reading his defence statement.

The court has not yet ruled on the request, and the defence’s claims of political motivation remain unproven.