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Momodou
Denmark
11717 Posts |
 Posted - 19 Dec 2006 : 18:29:28
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At The Court Martial
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Babou Loum, an independent witness, told the ongoing Court Martial at the Yundum Military Barracks on Saturday 2nd December 2006 that he was called by Sergeant Ndure while he was in Barras and asked to go to the NIA Complex to serve as an independent witness. Mr. Loum said that upon his arrival at the NIA Complex, he was escorted to an office where he met Captain Darboe, Boto Keita and Lamin Cham.
He said he was later introduced to Captain Darboe by Boto Keita, as the independent witness. Bunja accepted him as an independent witness. Mr. Loum indicated that Sergeant Keita asked Captain Darboe whether he wanted to write his statement, or whether he would want him (Keita) to write the statement on his behalf. According to Loum, Bunja chose to write his own statement. He further testified that Boto Keita asked Bunja to write what he knows about the foiled coup plot.
He said that Bunja wrote the statement without force and they all signed it. Mr. Loum said he could recognise the statement because it bears his signature and that of the accused person. At this Juncture, the witness was given the statement and he identified the signatures on the statement.
Cross Examination By Counsel Lamin S. Camara
During cross examination by Lawyer Lamin Camara, Mr. Loum said he came to know the accused person in the month of May. He said he met the accused in the month of May this year. Counsel Camara asks him whether he remembered the day or date he was called by Sergeant Ndure, and the date and day he went to the NIA. Mr. Loum replied that he could not remember the day and date. Camara asked him whether it is correct that he (Loum) has appended his signature on the statement he replied in the positive, but said that he did not write the date on the statement. Camara asked “Why didn’t you put the date,” Loum said, “I was only made to sign.” Camara asked him whether he wrote any thing at the station apart from his signature and whether Boto Keita wrote anything in his presence, he replied in the negative. He added that he could not tell how many statements were obtained from Captain Darboe. He said he know that he signed statements. Mr. Loum said he could not remember the number of statements he has signed. He added that he could not tell how many times he went to the NIA to witness Captain Darboe making statements. Mr. Loum said he knew Boto Keita at the NIA when he was called to be an independent witness and that was the first time he met Boto Keita. Mr. Loum pointed out that he could not recall the language Boto Keita and Bunja were speaking. He said he could not remember the language he was introduced to Bunja, but noted that he and Boto were communicating in Wollof. “I’m putting it to you that you were not present when Bunja was making statements,” said Camara. Loum replied, “Yes I was inside.” Camara asked, “What time of the day was it?” Loum replied, “I don’t know because I did not have a watch. Camara asked, “Was it in the morning, afternoon or evening?” Loum replied, “It was in the day.” Camara asked, “Can you read and write?” Loum replied, “Yes.” Camara said, “On TWT1 (one) page one (1), there is a small two (2).” Loum answered “yes, I see it.” Camara asked “Do you know who wrote the 2?” Loum noted, “I only know what I signed.” Camara said, “But you were there all the time?” Loum posited, “Yes, but I don’t know who wrote the two (2).”
Cross Examination By Counsel Borry S. Touray
Lawyer Borry Touray asked him to tell the court the relationship he has with the NIA. Mr. Loum said he has no relationship with the NIA. He further told the court that he comes from the same village with Sergeant Ndure. Touray said, “I’m putting it to you that you were a member of the defunct July 22nd movement at Barracks and also an NIA agent.” Loum replied, “I was not a member of the 22nd July movement nor an NIA agent.” Touray asked, “Do you know the purpose of being an independent witness,” Loum replied, “To witness that the accused was not beaten or forced to sign the statement.” Touray said, “I’m putting it to you that the statement was not made in your presence,” Loum answered, “I was present.”
Cross Examination By Counsel Neneh Cham Chongan
Defense Counsel Neneh Cham asked him whether Boto Keita has informed Captain Darboe before the statement was written about his right to a counsel. Babou Loum said he did not hear that. Neneh asked, “Did you hear Captain Darboe ask Boto Keita about his right to a counsel?” Mr. Loum answered, “No, I did not hear that.” Neneh Cham said, “I’m putting it to you that the reason that you did not hear that is because you were not present.” Mr. Loum replied, “I was there but I did not hear that.” At this point, the prosecutor told the court that they are closing their case in the trial within trial involving Captain Bunja Darboe. The defense is expected to call its first witness on the next sitting.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 113/2006, 18-19 December, 2006
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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