A court in Juba has postponed a decision on whether defense lawyers can access phones seized in the case against suspended First Vice President Riek Machar.

Presiding judge James Alala Deng adjourned proceedings until March 11 after lawyers debated whether one of the phones should be opened during cross-examination.

Defense lawyer Deng John Deng requested the device be unlocked in court to verify messages cited in the prosecution’s report.

Prosecutors opposed the request, arguing that activating the devices could compromise the evidence.