The hearing, presided over by Justice James Alala Deng, centered on a defense motion questioning the court’s jurisdiction. Justice Alala ruled that all responses should have been included in a single, comprehensive submission. After hearing both sides, Justice Alala adjourned the session to allow the court to deliberate on the defense’s jurisdictional challenge. Separately, Justice Alala also directed that access to the proceedings be opened beyond the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC). Wednesday’s ruling on jurisdiction of the special court will determine whether the trial proceeds to address the substantive charges or is halted on procedural grounds.