South Sudan court rejects ex-VP's bid to halt murder and treason trial

The South Sudan court has rejected former Vice President Riek Machar's bid to halt his murder and treason trial. The special court ruled that Machar does not have immunity from prosecution and can be put on trial. Machar, who is currently in exile, had argued that as a former vice president, he should be immune from prosecution. However, the court dismissed his claim, stating that the immunity does not apply in this case. The charges against Machar stem from his role in the country's civil war, which broke out in 2013 and has claimed the lives of thousands of people. He is accused of orchestrating a coup attempt and being involved in the killing of civilians. The court's decision is seen as a significant step in the country's efforts to hold those responsible for the violence accountable. It also highlights the ongoing challenges in South Sudan as the government tries to rebuild the country and achieve lasting peace.