JUBA, South Sudan — The criminal trial of South Sudan's suspended vice president began in the capital Monday as Riek Machar appeared in a cage alongside his co-defendants.
It was the first time Machar had been seen in public since he was placed under house arrest in March.
President Salva Kiir suspended Machar as his deputy earlier this month after justice authorities filed criminal charges for Machar's alleged role in an attack on a garrison of government troops earlier this year.
In addition to treason, Machar and seven others face charges of crimes against humanity, murder, conspiracy, terrorism, destruction of public property and military assets.
The trial by a special court in Juba, the capital, was broadcast on national television.
In opening remarks, a lawyer for Machar opposed