Fact Check: No, Riek Machar has not been hanged, but is currently on trial.

Writer: Rufina Isaac

The claim on social media that Dr. Riek Machar has been hanged for crimes is false. The claim posted here and shared by Naath in Europe on Facebook and other pages received a lot of reactions and engagement online, yet misleading.

Screenshot of the Claim 

Facts:

Dr. Riek Machar has not been hanged, but he and the other 7 co-accused are currently facing trial in a special court on murder, treason, crimes against humanity, terrorism, and destruction of property charges. 

Given that, no sentencing has been carried out, and the court proceeding is ongoing.

The court has been holding sessions to review evidence, including documents and electronic data allegedly linked to Machar and his co-accused.

The claim is part of the disinformation meant to distort facts and incite havoc in the communities in the country.

South Sudan is still navigating a delicate peace process, and inflammatory or inaccurate claims could undermine stability.

Conclusion:

The claim on social media that Dr. Riek Machar has been hanged for “crimes now we are free of all nonsense in South Sudan” is false and misleading while the court proceeding is still ongoing, with another session expected to take place tomorrow in Juba at Freedom Hall.  

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