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| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| kobo |
Posted - 10 Dec 2013 : 21:14:08
1. UDP SUPPORTERS ARRESTED, CHARGED AND RELEASED
Published Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Information received by this reporter indicates that nine UDP Supporters were on Wednesday 4th December, 2013 arrested, charged and released by the Police at Tujereng Police Station, in the Kombo South district. Talking to this reporter on the issue, Mr Ebrima Solo Sandeng, who was part of the organizing committee of the recent UDP meeting conducted at Tanje Community Center, confirmed his arrest and that of his UDP colleagues.
Mr. Sandeng said the incident happened on Wednesday 4th December,2013, “When I received a call from a Police officer at Tujereng asking me to go to Tujereng, I asked him who he was and what he wanted from me and he was trying to hide his identity. I was first called by our UDP Tanje Chariman, Sunkary Jersy, a native of Tanje who was arrested with Mawdo suso, Samba Jallow, Ousman Drammeh and Yahya Njie. I travelled from my home to Tanje to answer and found some of our people on the way such as Fakebba Susso, Lang Marong and Jerreh Fatty and travelled with them. On arrival, we were all put under arrest.” He said he was called by a senior officer at Tujereng Police to his office where he was with his deputy.
According to him, the officer then told him that the meeting they held on Saturday at the Tanje Community Centre was considered as an unlawful gathering and that he (Mr Sandeng) was charged with giving false information to a public officer. He said he was surprised when he was called by the police and charged for organizing an “unlawful gathering and for giving false information to public officers.”
He finally said they have all been released after the charges were levelled against them and are awaiting to see what comes next. He did not indicate when they will appear in court.
The Police PRO was contacted for information on the arrest of the UDP supporters, but he stated that he was not at work and was not yet aware of the matter.
SOURCE: Foroyaa Burning Issues News
2. Kibaaro Online News Stop Press: UDP Youth Secretary Detained By NIA
3. UDP: Release Our Youth Leader Without Conditions
United Democratic Party (UDP) is demanding the “immediate and unconditional release” of the party’s youth leader. Agents of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) on Monday morning picked up Ebrima Solo Sandeng only to deny holding him few hours later.
“Mr. Ebrima Solo Sandeng, the Executive Secretary of the UDP youth wing was today Monday December 9th 2013 picked up by the NIA from his house in Serrekunda and taken to their headquarters in Banjul,” the party said in a statement......
SOURCE: Kibaaro Online News & Full Report
4. Solo Sandeng Picked up by NIA: For Immediate Release (Steering Committee Press Release)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mr. Ebrima Solo Sandeng, the Executive Secretary of the UDP youth wing was today Monday December 9th 2013 picked up by the NIA from his house in Serrekunda and taken to their headquarters in Banjul The Gambia. Mr. Sandeng called his colleagues while en route to Banjul with the NIA and spoke to some of upon his arrival to confirm his custody and location. A UDP youth delegation then quickly made their way to NIA offices in Banjul but they were told Mr. Sandeng was not held there. The delegation then decided to go to Police Headquarters in Banjul to report the abduction of their colleague by the NIA. At Police Headquarters they were told the notification needed to be filed in Serrekunda since that was the jurisdiction the abduction occurred. The delegation drove back to Serrekunda and filed a missing persons report with the police there.
The UDP holds the NIA entirely responsible for Mr. Sandeng’s abduction, their hollow denial notwithstanding, and demand that he be released immediately and unconditionally. We believe his abduction is a continuation of a harassment scheme hatched by the government and its agents that is directed specifically at the Youth Wing following the successful Youth Forum held two weeks ago in Tanji, Kombo South. The UDP and The Gambian people will not tolerate the abduction of citizens for gathering lawfully in their own country. We will insist on and see through our legitimate demand that Mr. Sandeng be released immediately, without condition and unharmed. We ask our fellow citizens for their solidarity and support for these sorts of injustices have befallen too many of our citizens without regard to party affiliation, gender, ethnic group, socio-economic status, etc. We are in this together. As the saying goes, United We Stand, Divided We Fall.
SOURCE: Maafanta.Com Online News
5. Related Bantaba topic Detention Without Trial Or Disappearance Without Trace |
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Momodou |
Posted - 05 Dec 2017 : 14:26:16
Court overturns UDP activist’s conviction
The Point: Tuesday, December 05, 2017
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| kobo |
Posted - 19 Mar 2014 : 22:21:28
 1. UDP’s Youth Secretary; Sandeng Acquitted and Discharged
Monday, March 17, 2014
The embattled opposition UDP Youth Secretary, Ebrima Solo Sandeng was acquitted and discharged of the charges against him at the Brikama Magistrates Courts this morning.
Sandeng was standing trail for false information and for holding a political meeting without a valid permit; which charges he pleaded not guilty since the start of the trail.
After several adjournments and a few prosecution witnesses were called at the trial the prosecution could not substantiate the charges, the opposition youth is facing. Consequently he was acquitted and discharge, Sandeng walked out of the Court a freeman once again.
In a brief telephone conversation with his lawyer, Lawyer Ousainou Darboe who is also the leader of the opposition United Democratic Party, he said Sandeng is acquitted and discharged this morning. Darboe could not go further as he was running to another court session.
Sandeng himself was called and asked what his reaction is but he only said “am a freeman once again. I shall give a press interview soon at another time”
Source: Daily News
2. UDP militant acquitted
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Principal Magistrate Dayoh Small of the Brikama Magistrates’ Court Monday acquitted and discharged Solo Sandeng, a militant of the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), charged with giving false information to a public servant.
The UDP militant’s acquittal followed a ruling on a no-case-to-answer submission by senior defence counsel Ousainou Darboe....
Source: The Point News & full report
3. UDP Youth leader acquitted, discharged
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Ebrima Solo Sandeng, the National Youth Leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), was Monday acquitted and discharged by Magistrate Dayoh M Small Dago of the Brikama Magistrates’ Court.
It could be recalled that the UDP Youth leader, Solo Sandeng, is facing one count of criminal charge for giving false information to a public officer, contrary to the laws of The Gambia. He was earlier granted bail of D1million Dalasis. His discharge and acquittal followed the submission of a ‘no-case-to-answer’ by his lawyer.
When the case was called, Police Prosecutor Sub-Inspector E. Sarr announced his appearance for the state whilst Lawyer Ousainou Darboe represented the accused person....
Source: Daily Observer News & full report |
| kobo |
Posted - 26 Feb 2014 : 20:27:20
Trial commences of 14 UDP supporters
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
The trial opened Monday of 14 supporters of the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Dayoh M. Small-Dago, with the testimonies of two prosecution witnesses.
They were charged with unlawful assembly and prohibition of conduct conducive to a breach of the peace, which they all denied.
The accused persons are Lamin Marong, Lamin Sonko, Foday Gassama, Maimuna Darboe, Ousman Drammeh, Sherrif Kinteh, Jerreh Fatty, Fakebba Colley, Sirreh Sonko, Bakary Gibbba, Wandifa Kinteh, Kawsu Jaiteh, Yaya Njai, and Lamin Njai.
First to testify was one Musa Manneh, the alkalo of Madiana village, who said he is a farmer and recognised the accused persons.
He recalled that on 14 February 2014 at around 4:30pm, there was a meeting in his village which he was not aware of. He said he was not told about convening a meeting in his village, only heard that there was such a meeting in the village.
Asked by the prosecutor if he knew the people conducting the meeting, the village head said he knew Lamin Njai, Wandifa Kinteh and Martin Dibba.
The first prosecution witness said he heard that there was a meeting organised by the UDP, and went out to make enquiries, and was told it was UDP people who were having a meeting.
He said he then called the Tujereng Police Station, and told them that there are people having a meeting in his village and whether they gave them a permit to do so.
The police said they did not give any permit to anyone to stage a public meeting, the alkalo said, adding that the police later came, arrested them and took them to the police station......
SOURCE: The Point News & full report |
| kobo |
Posted - 26 Feb 2014 : 00:36:57
Trial adjourned of UDP militant
Friday, February 21, 2014
The trial involving the militant of the United Democratic Party, (UDP) Alasanna Jobarteh, yesterday suffered another setback, at the Bundung Magistrates’ Court, before Principal Magistrate Ibrahim Kijera.
The case was then adjourned till 5 March 2014.....
SOURCE: The Point News & full report |
| kobo |
Posted - 20 Feb 2014 : 02:01:15
14 UDP supporters arraigned, charged
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Fourteensupporters of the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) were Monday arraigned before Principal Magistrate Dayoh M. Small-Dago of the Brikama Magistrates’ Court, charged with unlawful assembly and prohibition of conduct conducive to a breach of the peace.
They are Lamin Marong, Lamin Sonko, Foday Gassama, Maimuna Darboe, Ousman Drammeh, Sherrif Kinteh, Jerreh Fatty, Fakebba Colley, Sirreh Sonko, Bakary Gibbba, Wandifa Kinteh, Kawsu Jaiteh, Yaya Njai, and Lamin Njai, and all denied the charges.
According to the charge sheet read in court, in count one the accused persons, on 14 February 2014 at Madiyana village in the Kombo South district of the West Coast Region, unlawfully assembled themselves and conducted a meeting without any permit or authority, and thereby committed an offence.
Count two stated that the accused persons on the same day and place conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace, and thereby committed an offence.
Police prosecutor Sub-Inspector Sarr asked for an adjournment to bring his witnesses to court, and added that the matter of bail was left to the court to decide......
Source: The Point News & more full report |
| kobo |
Posted - 17 Feb 2014 : 19:36:23
1. Ex-Tanji alkalo, son testify in UDP youth leader’s case
Monday, February 17, 2014
The former alkalo of Tanji, Cherno Bojang, who is also the third prosecution witness (PW3); and his son, Lamin Bojang, the fourth prosecution witness (PW4), all residents of Tanji Village in the Kombo South District of West Coast Region, on Thursday testified in the ongoing trial involving the state against Solo Sandeng, the national youth leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), before Magistrate Aji Amie Jagne of the Brikama Magistrates’ Court.
Giving his testimony, PW3 recalled that on November 24th last year, while he was in Brufut, his son Lamin Bojang called him and asked him to speak to one Muhammed Jaiteh (PW2) on the phone. Then, he said Muhammed Jaiteh told him that they wanted to hold a party at the Tanji Community Centre, but PW3 told him that they could not hold the party without a permit.
The third prosecution witness said he was never told the kind of programme Muhammed and team wanted to organise at the centre, that he only told him it’s a party.......
Source: Daily Observer News & more full report
2. Jammeh Regime Should Declare the Gambia a One Party State”Kemeseng; As 2 Women and 4 Opposition UDP Are Detained
Saturday, February 15, 2014
The police carried another crack down on the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) 14 February 2014 at the Kombo South village of Madiyana. This is the second time within six months when the police effect arrests and detention of opposition UDP members. The party which is the main opposition faces stiff police surveillance on where they held meetings of any political nature.
The Youth Secretary General of the UDP Mr. Solo Ebriama Sandeng is going to court at the Brikama magistrates Courts, for holding a meeting without a permit. He was detained for several weeks before charges were meted out on him and his eventual trails.
Speaking to the Daily News Sandeng said his party on Friday 14 February 2014 was on a sensitization meeting at the village of Mandiyana in the Kombo South where the police interrupted that meeting and arrested members of the youth executives of the party. These arrests included Fakebba Kolley, Lang Marong, Jerreh Fatty, Mariama Darboe and Baby Secka; all of who were taken to Tujereng police station and subsequently detained.
The Daily News is reliably informed that when they got the news of the arrests, Solo went to the police station but could not have access to any of them.
Speaking to this reporter on Saturday morning Kemeseng Jammeh a seasoned opposition member and onetime leader of the minority in the National Assembly told this reporter that he got a called from the son of the detained Jerreh Fatty who said he went the Tujereng police station where his father is said to be detained but could not see him.Jammeh said he was informed by Jerreh’s son, that though he saw the two women but could not speak to them.
Kemeseng said “we are holding an emergency party executive meeting to decide what to do”. He expressed disappointment that the ruling APRC government would not allow decent democracy to take place. “If they do not want any opposition meetings, then they must declare the Gambia a one party state”Kemesseng
Veteran opposition politician challenged the government to respect the laws of the land and act accordingly. This unnecessary harassment must come to a halt, he stressed.
Source: The Daily News |
| kobo |
Posted - 17 Feb 2014 : 00:44:49
1. UDP Task Force Held Meeting Last Saturday
Published: Monday, January 27, 2014
The United Democratic Party (UDP) held a task force meeting last Saturday, January 25 2014. The aim is to commence a wider consultation on the way forward of the party and the underlying difficulties opposition parties encounter in the tough and intolerable political existence. Party members came from the KMC, Kombos and other regions to commence this very important task of sharing ideas and experiences on issues related to the way forward for the party.
The Meeting was chaired by the party President, Mr Dembo Bonjang. Top UDP executive members shared their thoughts on areas of the political landscape needed to be strengthen and steps the party need to take in competing more effectively, through engagement and regular dialogue.......
Source: Kibaaro News & more full report
2. UDP TASK FORCE ACTIVISTS ARRESTED
Published: Saturday, February 15, 2014
Impeachable sources within the ambit of Dictator Jammeh’s Kanilai villa reports the UDP activists, who were invited to meet over 500 Kombo South party supporters have been arrested today at Madiyan Village. They embarked on a grassroots sensitisation early this morning in an effort to strengthen, as well as amass more support base for their party before the 2016 Presidential election.
The activists who were legally meeting party supporters were rounded up by a convoy of Police Officers and taken to Tujereng Police Station for questioning.
At Tujereng Police Station, officers segregated the arrested UDP male militants from their female colleagues. According to one of the police officers at the station, instruction was received to transfer the male militants to Bundung Police station while the females remained in Tujereng awaiting further instruction about their fate.
The following youth leaders are confirmed arrested with others yet to be name: Jerre Fatty, Fakeba Kolly, Falang Sonko, Baby Sonko, Maimuna Darboe, and Lang Marong.
The UDP youth Secretary Solo Sandeng’s mobile was seized whilst attempting to assist the two female activists still in detention at Tujeren police station. Baby Sonko and Maimuna Darboe are still yet to be release.
UDP Leader call for the immediate release of his activist, citing the youths were within their rights to gather and talk about party matters. The country is unstable and tense. This is a developing story, more updates to follow.
Source: Kibaaro News |
| kobo |
Posted - 14 Feb 2014 : 18:29:56
More witnesses testify in UDP militant’s trial
Published Friday, February 14, 2014 Author: Halimatou Ceesay & Fatou Jallow
Two more prosecution witnesses yesterday testified in the trial involving Ebrima Solo Sandeng, a United Democratic Party militant, accused of giving false information to a public officer, at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate AA Jagne.
First to testify was one Cherno Bojang, who said he did not know the accused but could recall what happened on 23 November 2013......
SOURCE: The Point News & full report |
| kobo |
Posted - 09 Feb 2014 : 22:18:50
Lasana Jobarteh’s case suffers setback
Published Friday, 07 February, 2014
The trial involving the opposition United Democratic Party UDP Militant, Mr. Lasana Jobarteh, who was charged with the criminal offence of allegedly broadcasting without licence could not proceed on Wednesday, 5 February, before Magistrate Ebrahim Kijera of the Bundung Magistrates’ Court. The case was adjourned after it was reported that the Magistrate was absent from the court. Thereafter, the police prosecutor Corporal Jarju who was representing the Inspector General of Police agreed with defence
Lawyer Ousainou NM Darboe to select a date for adjournment. Subsequently, the case was adjourned till Thursday, 20th February 2014, for continuation of hearing.
It could be recalled that Mr. Lasana Jobarteh was arrested and detained at the National Intelligence Agency [NIA] headquarters in Banjul without access to family and friends for eight days.
He was escorted to the police headquarters in Banjul and later transferred to the Bundung police station where he was taken to the Bundung Magistrates’ Court.
He was charged with broadcasting without a licence, contrary to the Information and Communication Act 2009. The particulars of offense was that between 14 and 15 December 2013, while attending the opposition United Democratic Party [UDP] political rallies at Buffer Zone in the KMC and Brikama and diverse places, Jobarteh talked on Skype using an IPOD and gave information abroad without a broadcasting licence, and thereby committed an offence.
Magistrate Ebrahim Kijera of the Bundung Magistrates’ Court granted him court bail in the sum of D250, 000 with two Gambian sureties who shall deposit their ID cards, and one of them must deposit a title deed with the court’s registrar.
SOURCE: Foroyaa Burning Issues News |
| kobo |
Posted - 29 Jan 2014 : 22:59:42
UDP’S SOLO SANDENG CASE ADJOURNED DUE TO ABSENCE OF PROSECUTION WITNESS
Published Wednesday, January 29, 2014
The ongoing criminal trial involving Mr. Ebrima Solo Sandeng of the United Democratic Party (U.D.P) suffered a setback on Tuesday, 28th January, 2014 at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Aji Amie Jagne as the prosecution witness did not appear to give testimony. When the matter was called, Police Prosecutor Sub Inspector Ebrima Sarr announced his representation for the state whilst the accused person was represented by Lawyer Ousainou A.N.M. Darboe.
At this juncture, Prosecutor Sarr applied for an adjournment on the ground that his witness is not in court to give testimony. This was objected to by the defence lawyer who argued that the prosecution is delaying the matter.
The magistrate also expressed her concern regarding the application, but the prosecution promised that they will endeavour to bring all their witnesses to testify on the adjourned date, adding that the witnesses are people who may not like to be forced to come and give testimony.
Lawyer Darboe, at this point, suggested to the prosecutor that if it is difficult for them to get their witnesses to testify then why doesn’t he apply for a subpoena from the court to order them to come. He said in such a situation it will then be between the witness and the court which, he said, will compel them to come and testify.
Prosecutor Sarr said if the prosecution force a witness to come and testify in their case, the person may do so in a way that would not favour them and negatively impact on their case.
The trial magistrate adjourned the matter to 13 February 2014 for continuation of the testimony of the prosecution witnesses.
SOURCE: Foroyaa Burning Issues News |
| kobo |
Posted - 29 Jan 2014 : 08:46:22
Court Adjourned in Solo Bojang and Co Case As transport that brings accused lacks fuel
Foroyaa Burning Issues News: Published on Tuesday, 28 January 2014
The case of Lt. Col. Solo Bojang and Anineh Jammeh, who are both charged with two counts of Conspiracy and Theft, did not proceed on Monday, 27th January, 2014 at the Brikama magistrates’ court before Magistrate S.K. Jobarteh as the vehicle that was supposed to bring one of the accused persons to court had no fuel in it. When the case was called, Sub Inspector Ebrima Sarr announced his appearance for the state.
The police prosecutor, at this juncture, applied for an adjournment as Anineh Jammeh, the second accused person, was not in court. He told the Court that the accused could not be transported because of the fact that the fuel coupon for the transport that brings prisoners to the Brikama court had exhausted and that there was no fuel in the vehicle.
“We are normally given coupon for the month and this finished before the month ends. I am therefore applying for adjournment to the next month,” said the prosecutor. When asked by the magistrate as to whether the accused would be coming, the prosecutor responded that they normally received their fuel coupon on the 1st day of every month.
The case was subsequently adjourned to Monday, 3rd February, 2014 for continuation.
Source: Foroyaa |
| kobo |
Posted - 25 Jan 2014 : 05:56:20
PW1 Cross-examined in Lasana Jobarteh’s Case
Published on Wednesday, 22 January 2014 | Written by Lamin Sanyang
The first prosecution witness, Mr. Kebba Secka, an official of the National Intelligence Agency [NIA] has yesterday, Monday 20 January, denied hearing any broadcast on the Gambia Radio and Television Services [GRTS] of President Jammeh’s tour abroad. Mr. Secka made this claim during cross examination in the case involving the Inspector General of Police [IGP] and Mr. Lasana Jobarteh who was charged with the criminal offence of broadcasting without licence. The case is presided by Magistrate Ebrahim Kijera of the Bundung Magistrates’ Court.
When the case was mentioned, the Inspector General of Police was represented by Corporal Jarju while Lawyer Ousainou NM Darboe announced his appearance for the accused person [Lasana Jobarteh].
During cross-examination, Mr Ousainou Darboe, counsel for the defendant, questioned the witness as to whether he had ever heard of Freedom, Gainako, Hello Gambia and Kibaroo radio stations. He said he only heard of Freedom and Kibaroo radio stations.
He said they are not operating from the country. The Intelligence Officer said he also heard of the British Broadcasting Corporation BBC and Radio France International, RFI. He added that he has never heard a correspondent reporting for BBC from The Gambia. He said he has never heard any prominent Gambian being interviewed on BBC.
“Just last year, there was a demonstration on the EU 17 points when the government gave its view on BBC. Did you hear that coverage,” asked Ousainou Darboe, counsel for the defendant.
The police prosecutor raised an objection arguing that the issue of 17 points was not the matter in court.
He urged the court to overrule the question, but the defense counsel argued that the objection was irrelevant.
He submitted that the purpose of cross examination was to show that the witness was not truthful. He further submitted that the defendant was accused of broadcasting without licence and the witness knew he was leading to ask whether those stations were licensed in the country.
He urged the court to overrule the objection. Subsequently, the objection was overruled by the court. However, the witness answered in the negative. He said he has not heard the interview of the government on BBC.
This has led to the question whether he has ever heard the state own broadcaster GRTS reporting on President Jammeh’s tour abroad.
“No, I have never heard GRTS broadcasting the President’s tour abroad,” said Mr. Kebba Secka. There was murmuring in the crowded courtroom.
The witness said he heard Mr. Peter Gomez broadcasting sports programme on West Coast radio, but does not know whether he has personally got licence to broadcast. He agreed it is radio stations that are licensed to carry out broadcasting with different frequencies.
The Intelligence Officer said he came with the list of radio stations licensed in the country as promised in the last sitting. He handed out the document at the request of the defence counsel who had made an application to tender the document as evidence.
There was an objection from the prosecutor, arguing that the document was a photocopy.
He further submitted that the proper foundation was not laid by the defence urging the court to overrule the application.
In his response to the objection made by the police prosecutor, defence counsel Darboe, argued that the objection was misconceived. He submitted that the witness was the one who said this is the list he can produce.
He said he was aware of section 101 of the Evidence Act which he said was applicable to civil and not criminal proceedings. Defense Counsel Darboe argued that the NIA is an integral part of the State that is prosecuting the accused. He submitted that the original copy was with the Director General of NIA as the document was addressed to him. He said when the document is in the possession of the adverse party, they don’t need to lay a proper foundation.
“You are not here to persecute, but to prosecute. The prosecution needs to provide everything before the court whether it is in their favour or not,” said lawyer Darboe. The matter was stood down for few minutes. After the case resumed, the court ruled in favour of the defence.
Subsequently, the document was admitted and marked as a defence exhibit. The prosecution witness admitted that the Skype was not part of the list of radio stations licensed in the country. He was referred to the particulars of offense that the accused has used an IPod to broadcast without licence.
He was asked about the said IPod. He said he did not know its whereabouts. The witness said they did not investigate whether all the media houses mention in the list were licensed. He said he did not know whether any of the stations were prosecuted for broadcasting without license in the past two years. He ended his testimony at this point.
The police prosecutor then applied for an adjournment to call the next witness. He said they have two more witnesses. The application was not objected by the defence.
Subsequently, the case was adjourned till Wednesday 5th February 2014.
Source: Foroyaa Burning Issues News |
| kobo |
Posted - 25 Jan 2014 : 05:38:28
1. Businessman testifies in UDP Youth leader’s case
Friday, January 24, 2014
One Muhammed Jaiteh, a businessman residing in Tanji, on Tuesday testified in the ongoing trial involving Solo Sandeng, the Nation Youth leader for United Democratic Party (UDP), before Magistrate Aji Amie Jagne of the Brikama Magistrates’ Court.
In his testimony, Jaiteh recalled that on November 24th last year, one Sunkary Jassey called to inform him that they wanted to hold a gathering at the Tanji Youth Centre. The witness stated that on November 28th, Sunkary Jassey came back with a permit from Tujereng Police Station and he asked him who had issued him the permit, but Sunkary replied that he did not know the person.
The witness said Sunkary Jassey finally paid the cost of the hall, chairs and the cash power, adding that PW2 further stated that they called the officer who approved the permit. “And I asked him why he didn’t put his telephone number, but the witness said he put Solo Sandeng’s name on the receipt”. He said the gathering went fine and it ended at 9 pm........
Source: Daily Observer News & full report
2. Lawyer Darboe challenges prosecution witness in UDP militant’s trial
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Defence counsel Ousainou Darboe Tuesday challenged the prosecution witness by way of cross-examination in the trial involving Ebrima Solo Sandeng, UDP militant, who was charged with giving false information to a public officer, at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Aji Amie Jagne.
Muhammed Jaiteh earlier testified as the second prosecution witness in the said trial.
Under cross-examination, Lawyer Darboe asked the witness what type of business he does, and the witness said he has an internet, gym center, carpentry workshop, library and a hall.
Under cross-examination, PW2 stated further that the internet hall belongs to the community but there was a MoU between him and them.......
Source: The Point News & full report |
| kobo |
Posted - 15 Jan 2014 : 08:25:05
1. “NIA Hijacked The UDP Case From Police" Darboe Told Court
At the start of the trial involving Ebrima Sandeng of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), facing charges for holding a political rally on the 28th November 2013 at Tujereng without a permit. The matter was called for continuation Thursday 9th January at the Brikama magistrate courts....
Source: Daily News & full report
2. UDP’S SOLO SANDENG TRIAL Lawyer Darboe Cross Examines PW1
By Kebba Jeffang
Foroyaa: Published on Tuesday, 14 January 2014
The criminal case of Mr. Solo Sandeng of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) on Thursday 9th January 2014 proceeded at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court presided over by Magistrate Aji Amie Jagne where the first prosecution witness (PW1) Lamin Singateh, concluded his testimony and was later cross examined by the defense counsel. In a congested court room full of onlookers, the police prosecutor Sub-Inspector Ebrima Sarr announced his representation for the state whilst Lawyer Ousainou ANM Darboe announced his appearance for the accused person. Leading him in his evidence-in-chief, police prosecutor Sarr asked the witness (Lamin Singhateh) whether he had seen the original copy of. The witness said, “yes.” He then asked him if he would recognise it if shown to him. The witness replied in the positive. The prosecutor then showed him the original copy and the witness confirmed it and said, “This is it.” At this juncture, Prosecutor Sarr applied to tender the original copy and the court admitted it in evidence and marked it as Exhibit (A) when no objection was raised by the defence. He was again asked by the prosecutor why he approved the application; he responded that it was because it was applied for social gathering and musical entertainment. “And if it was a permit for political gathering, would you approve it?” Asked the prosecutor? No, replied Lamin Singhateh. This marked the end of his evidence-in-chief.
During cross examination, it was put to the witness that the application for permit and approval is done on the said Exhibit A. The witness replied in the positive. The witness was told that he gave approval so that if there is anyone who asks them about the programme, it could be shown that permit was granted and was asked if that is correct. PW1 Singhateh agreed. Counsel put it to the witness that the original was given to Mr. Sandeng, whether that is correct? The witness again answered in the positive. Lawyer Darboe asked: “It is correct that on 5th December, you arrested the Chairman of UDP branch in Tanji.” “Yes,” replied the witness. “Why did you arrest him?” asked Darboe. Witness said, “for questioning.” “On what?” asked Darboe. The witness narrated that it was meant to question him on information received at the Tujereng police station, because instead of holding social gathering and musical entertainment as the permit was given for, it was used for political gathering, emphasized the witness.
“Is it not correct that this permit was brought for organising an authorized event?” asked defence lawyer. The witness responded in affirmative. “But you police decided to take the original copy from the accused. Is that not so?” “Yes,” he replied. Defense Lawyer put it to the witness that in fact that was done for the fact that they had the authority to do what they were doing? “No,” replied the witness; adding that they did not deprive them of it. “You know we don’t need permit for social gathering under Public Order Act. Do you know that?” asked Darboe. The witness responded in the negative. “They have applied for permit because of VDC otherwise they don’t have to?” Said Darboe. The witness disagreed to this. Darboe asked, “According to you on that day when Muhammed Jaiteh (person responsible for the said hall) called you, did you call any one to go and check what was happening on the ground?” “No,” replied the witness. “Is it unlawful for members of UDP to organise social gatherings?” Singateh replied in the negative. Defense lawyer then asked the witness “On that day, anyone came from Tanji to lodge a complaint in connection to this activity of UDP?” PW1 Singhateh responded in the negative; adding “my station officer (SO) informed me that the permit I gave for social gathering was instead being used as political gathering.” “Is it unlawful for UDP or any other political party to hold a political meeting without a permit? Asked Darboe. “Yes,” said the witness, adding it is unlawful. “Tell me the law where it is unlawful,” said Darboe. There is a law permitting political meetings,” said the witness. “In fact as a matter of fact you did not know whether political meeting was held?,” Darboe told the witness.
In his reply, the witness said, “I was not there.” Darboe asked him whether it is not his duty to go and find out whether they were using the permit in accordance with conditions of the permit. The witness said, “if it is necessary.” “And this one is not necessary?” Asked Darboe. PW1 Singateh replied in the negative and said on the 28 November, his SO did not tell him so. “If your Station Officer did not tell you, then why would he question you about the permit?” Asked defence counsel. The witness replied that his SO’s question was whether I approved it for social gathering and musical entertainment. “Did SO tell you to produce permit for them?” “No,” replied the witness, adding that his SO never told him.
After examining the permit for some seconds, defence counsel told the witness, “This permit is saying that the activity would commence from 9am to 7pm. Which political party in the Gambia is holding meeting up to such lengthy duration?” He asked. The witness said, “I cannot tell because I don’t go there.” “Did you obtain a statement from anyone from Tanji in connection with this issue?” Asked Darboe. The witness responded in the negative; adding ‘not to my knowledge.’ “In fact some people were released on that very day even without bail. Is that not correct?” “I was off duty and I don’t know,” said the witness. It was put to him that if a case file on this matter is prepared at Tujereng police station, he would know that. “Is that not correct?” asked Darboe, “I don’t know,” asserted the witness. “Did you make statement at Tujereng police station on this matter?,” asked Darboe. The witness said he did not; that his statement was taken at the NIA office. Darboe continued to put to the witness that the initial arrest was done by the police and later the case was hijacked by the NIA. “Is that not true?” Asked Darboe. The witness responded that he does not know why the case was taken over by the NIA. Darboe asked, “But you know that it was UDP who were in Tanji town hall. Is that correct?” “Yes,” he replied reasoning that it was “because the permit was made for them.” “You know as matter of fact that UDP has been organising political meetings and rallies?” The witness replied in the positive. Darboe asked, “You may agree with me that UDP applied for public address system from IGP but not to hold political meeting.” “No,” he replied. “Mr Singhateh, you may agree with me that your own investigation never reveals that a political meeting was held, to you it was only ambience, eating benechin and cultural show ‘Kanyelleng’. Is that not true?" PW1 replied in the negative, adding “I was never part of the investigation team.” The defence Counsel Ousainou Darboe at this juncture decided to close his cross examination. Prosecutor Sub-Inspector Sarr also applied for an adjournment as PW2 who was expected to be in court was late. This application was strongly objected by the defence counsel, saying the court should stand down instead of adjourning the case; pointing out that he has no other matter to treat at the High court or any other place.
The court then stood down for at least an hour before the matter resumed. When the matter resumed, Prosecutor Sarr made an application to the court to subpoena Mr.Muhammed Jaiteh (Tanji hall controller) to attend the next proceeding. The Prosecutor said PW2 was not still in court and he called him, but the man said he cannot make it to court as he was on some relevant official duties. His application was granted and the matter was adjourned till Tuesday 21 January 2014 for PW2 to testify.
Source: Foroyaa Burning Issues News |
| Momodou |
Posted - 08 Jan 2014 : 14:06:18
NIA officer testifies in UDP militant’s trial
By Malamin L.M. Conteh
The Point: Published on Wednesday, January 08, 2014
One Kebba Secka, a state security agent, yesterday testified before Principal Magistrate Ibrahim Kijera of the Bundung Magistrates’ Court, in the trial involving one Alasanna Jobarteh.
Alasanna Joabrteh, a militant of the United Democratic Party UDP, was charged with broadcasting without a licence contrary to the Information and Communication Act.
Designated as prosecution witness number one (PW1), officer Secka told the court that he lives in Tallinding, and is an NIA officer, adding that he was assigned to obtain a cautionary statement from the accused person, and in doing so, he invited an independent witness called Foday Sanyang.
He testified that the accused decided to write his own statement, which the accused signed, the independent witness also signed, and he endorsed his name on the statement.
Asked by the prosecutor whether he could identify the said statement, he said he could identify the six-leaflet statement.
The statement was shown to him, which the witness recognised and the prosecutor applied to tender it in evidence as an exhibit, without any objection from the defence counsel, Ousainou Darboe.
Under cross-examination by the defence counsel, the witness told the court that he is a Muslim, and subscribes to the Islamic faith.
He added that the independent witness was not selected by him, but was brought by his boss.
Asked whether he had given chance to the accused to call his lawyer to be present at the time of obtaining the cautionary statement, the witness stated that he did not give any option to the accused to call his lawyer, at the time of obtaining the statement from him.
The witness told the court that he did not know that the accused was arrested on 15 December 2013, adding that he only came to know that the accused was arrested on 15 December 2013, at the time he was obtaining a cautionary statement from him.
Asked again whether he knew from his casual conversation with the accused, that the accused did not have any access to both his family and lawyer, the witness replied that he did not know that, and he was acting under directives.
He was asked whether he was also directed not to allow the accused to call his lawyer at the time of obtaining cautionary statement from him, and the witness replied that the issue of a lawyer did not even arise at the time of obtaining the statement.
The witness added that he had been in the security services for 17 years, and had spent two years at the investigation department.
Asked if in his two years experience, it was correct that cautionary statements were obtained from suspects, who were alleged to have committed an offence, the witness answered in the affirmative.
He was then asked what offence the accused committed, that warranted him to take his cautionary statement.
The witness told the court that he was never told what the accused had committed, and he did not know whether the accused had a broadcasting station in The Gambia.
He added that he did not know whether at the NIA they had the list of all the broadcasting stations from Teranga FM to Nyakoi community radio.
He said he was prepared to go to the Ministry of Information to get the said list.
“I did not hear the accused on any of the radios broadcasting anything,” he stated.
When asked whether he (the witness) had a Skype account, the witness said he did not have a Skype account, and he does not browse.
Asked whether he needed a licence to pass any information through Skype, the witness said “I do not know.”
The defence counsel, at that juncture, applied for the witness to produce the list of all the radio stations in The Gambia, and his application was granted.
The case continues on 20 January 2014.
Source: The Point |
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