Lawyers representing suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar have confirmed they met with him on Thursday after a special court ordered security authorities to grant the defense team access to prepare for his testimony in the ongoing trial. The statement said the lawyers finalized his defense statement ahead of his scheduled court appearance on Friday at Freedom Hall in Juba. The office said Dr. Machar was “in high spirits” and ready to present his defense before the court. The meeting followed a directive issued by the Special Court on Wednesday after defense lawyers complained that security officials had denied them access to their client despite an earlier court authorization. Defense lawyers argued that the restrictions impeded their ability to prepare an effective defense.