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Prince
507 Posts |
 Posted - 15 Jul 2010 : 18:53:34
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A Gambian judge has sentenced eight men, including a former army chief, to death for their part in an alleged coup plot last year.
Judge Emmanuel Amadi said they were all guilty of treason but had leave to appeal within 30 days.
A correspondent in court told the BBC that relatives broke down in tears as the judgement was read out.
It is not the first time army officers have been accused of plotting against President Yahya Jammeh.
Mr Jammeh seized power in 1994 as a young army lieutenant and has won three widely criticised multiparty elections since then.
Related stories
The men were accused of procuring arms, ammunitions, equipment and mercenaries from Guinea to stage a coup.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-10650294
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"When injustice becomes law, rebellion becomes duty." |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jul 2010 : 20:50:56
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Yaya Jammeh promised to set example on those involved in plots to overthrow as he did Jawara.
The coward will end up to yield down. He knows if these men are killed, it may end very bad for him as he too stands another coup criminal. |
Karamba |
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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jul 2010 : 20:51:46
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Sad indeed Prince. Well, unless this criminal is somehow eliminated, we cannot breath any real peace in that country.
Lang and co, sorry for this, however, we told the lot of you. stay clear of a murderer, but you thought we are jealous of your lousy titles. Now enjoy. |
Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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Prince
507 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jul 2010 : 21:26:07
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quote:
Originally posted by Santanfara
... thought we are jealous of your lousy titles. Now enjoy.
Spot on, Santanfara. In as much as I'd like to feel sorry for Lang and his friends, I can't get my head round to feeling his pain.
This is NOT meant to kick a dog who is already down but let's not forget that, a few moons ago, Lang believed that the judiciary is perfect. Hence, it's capable to delivering justice. He propped, aided, and ensured that the regime stayed in power. He wasn't just another foot soldier, he was in charge of the army. So in all fairness, Lang got the justice system he help build.
Now, bring on Jesus Badjie! |
"When injustice becomes law, rebellion becomes duty." |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jul 2010 : 23:19:17
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Prince, he is not a Gambian but a Nigerian judge presiding in a Gambian court.
I remember Tamba's time as State House Commander during my school days. Unless his car is full, he would never drive-pass any student without giving a lift. He was such a nice man. I don't know what he has become afterwards but he was very humble then. In any case, this is a sad story. I hope and pray that he wins the president's clemency soon.
Thanks |
I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
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Dembish
Gambia
284 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jul 2010 : 23:51:47
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WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND.Kawsu camara played a nasty role in the shooting of inocent students on April ten,2000.
My warning to all good citizens is to stay away from Yaya Jammeh as much as any one could, of you mighty get hang one day. |
There is no egg without a chicken, and no chicken without egg. |
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jul 2010 : 01:28:09
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What kind of nasty role did Kawsu Camara play in 2000 Dembish? Where did you get your evidence from? Where you there? Stop accusing people of things you have no knowledge of. If you as a grown man are aware of everything that perspired EXPLAIN. By the way those so called innocent students ain't as innocent as you want them to be..............................................................Peace quote:
Originally posted by Dembish
WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND.Kawsu camara played a nasty role in the shooting of inocent students on April ten,2000.
My warning to all good citizens is to stay away from Yaya Jammeh as much as any one could, of you mighty get hang one day.
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
Edited by - Moe on 16 Jul 2010 01:30:58 |
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jul 2010 : 01:37:19
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Did you get your satala back Santafara, who is ? "We told the lot of you to stay away from a murderer" Who are you mis-informants suppose to be to tell anyone anything. Whilst you are busy yapping about
"Anna has a green dress, Ayuba has a white shirt, Mary has a broom". The people of your region "Basse" gave Jammeh the warmest reception only a Mansa can ask for. Who are you people supposed to be?...........................................................Peace quote:
Originally posted by Santanfara
Sad indeed Prince. Well, unless this criminal is somehow eliminated, we cannot breath any real peace in that country.
Lang and co, sorry for this, however, we told the lot of you. stay clear of a murderer, but you thought we are jealous of your lousy titles. Now enjoy.
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jul 2010 : 01:44:30
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UDP wants everyone eliminated, I will not be surprised if they are involved in all this madness including the unsolved murders with the likes of Santafara as representatives of the party willing to ELIMINATE, In my book they could be involved in anything including murder plots just to discredit ..........................................Peacequote:
Originally posted by Santanfara
Sad indeed Prince. Well, unless this criminal is somehow eliminated, we cannot breath any real peace in that country.
Lang and co, sorry for this, however, we told the lot of you. stay clear of a murderer, but you thought we are jealous of your lousy titles. Now enjoy.
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
Edited by - Moe on 16 Jul 2010 01:45:00 |
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jul 2010 : 01:48:57
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Look Karamba you have to stop taking us back to grade 1 my friend, Anyone who conspired in the plot to oust Jawara cannot and will not be charged for the conspiracy. That topic is not associate with the crocodile tears being shed around here. Put it this way Jammeh and company have immunity in regards to prosecuting them or anyone associated, when it comes to the 1994 SUCCESSFUL coup.................................................................Peace quote:
Originally posted by Karamba
Yaya Jammeh promised to set example on those involved in plots to overthrow as he did Jawara.
The coward will end up to yield down. He knows if these men are killed, it may end very bad for him as he too stands another coup criminal.
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
Edited by - Moe on 16 Jul 2010 01:50:58 |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jul 2010 : 06:48:51
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| Very sad day in the Gambia. I hope the compassionate Sheikh Professor pardons them. Nobody deserves a death penalty, no matter what... |
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jul 2010 : 06:53:54
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It's more like life in prison Kayjatta, Jammeh should seperate himself from stopping the Death penalty from being implemented .After sentencing every inmate sentenced to death should go to the Gallows within two years. Justice delayed is justice denied. This will be a clear indication as to the independence of the State. Jawara never implemented it either except after the 1981 coup the only historical Killing. I say Kill anyone sentenced within two years maximum and this includes my own damn self and the you Kay .....................................................Peace quote:
Originally posted by kayjatta
Very sad day in the Gambia. I hope the compassionate Sheikh Professor pardons them. Nobody deserves a death penalty, no matter what...
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
Edited by - Moe on 16 Jul 2010 06:56:22 |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jul 2010 : 07:06:11
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Thou shall not kill, Moe! Okay let's put it this way: Govt shall not kill!!!
The Gambian state cannot be independent from the death penalty because its existence and implementation is at the pleasure of Jammeh and his govt.
I agree that the likely outcome is "life in prison" which I think is appropriate.
quote:
Originally posted by Moe
It's more like life in prison Kayjatta, Jammeh should seperate himself from stopping the Death penalty from being implemented .After sentencing every inmate sentenced to death should go to the Gallows within two years. Justice delayed is justice denied. This will be a clear indication as to the independence of the State. Jawara never implemented it either except after the 1981 coup the only historical Killing. I say Kill anyone sentenced within two years maximum and this includes my own damn self and the you Kay .....................................................Peace quote:
Originally posted by kayjatta
Very sad day in the Gambia. I hope the compassionate Sheikh Professor pardons them. Nobody deserves a death penalty, no matter what...
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jul 2010 : 07:16:21
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Thou shall not Kill my ass, Thou shall kill if necessary brother man. These fools were ready to attack military installations simultaneously to an extent that they can never recover or organize , please explain to me how anyone can achieve that without blowing up the whole country at the same time during Prayers. Only a Doff will tell you there was no coup in the making but rest assured there was one indeed in the making. Why are Gambians so stupid , the boat which was supposed to be used to bring the weapons and personnel was located in a whole different country. How hard is it to collaborate such evidence? If ya'll were not useless wanna be journalist maybe one of ya'll could have covered the breaking story. "The boat that never was" unfortunately it was and evidence to collaborate such facts including testimonies from unscrupulous individuals of course by association. The Army Chief had drug dealer friends , Liars, Thieves just the perfect caliber of people easily manipulated. Who says their testimonies should not be admissible in court, Gambians are very stupid half baked individuals I might add, an insult to civilization, well the cyber fools am referring to including Dida Halake and Michael Scales , the recycled relics.....................................................Peacequote:
Originally posted by kayjatta
Thou shall not kill, Moe! Okay let's put it this way: Govt shall not kill!!!
The Gambian state cannot be independent from the death penalty because its existence and implementation is at the pleasure of Jammeh and his govt.
I agree that the likely outcome is "life in prison" which I think is appropriate.
quote:
Originally posted by Moe
It's more like life in prison Kayjatta, Jammeh should seperate himself from stopping the Death penalty from being implemented .After sentencing every inmate sentenced to death should go to the Gallows within two years. Justice delayed is justice denied. This will be a clear indication as to the independence of the State. Jawara never implemented it either except after the 1981 coup the only historical Killing. I say Kill anyone sentenced within two years maximum and this includes my own damn self and the you Kay .....................................................Peace quote:
Originally posted by kayjatta
Very sad day in the Gambia. I hope the compassionate Sheikh Professor pardons them. Nobody deserves a death penalty, no matter what...
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
Edited by - Moe on 16 Jul 2010 07:19:35 |
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jul 2010 : 07:38:29
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Friday, July 16, 2010
Justice Emmanuel Amadi of the High Court, Thursday convicted and sentenced to death the former chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) Lang Tombong Tamba, and seven others -Omar Bun Mbye , BO Badjie, former head of the Military Intelligence; Kawsu Camara alias Bombadier, former coordinator of fuel for the Kanilai Family Farm; Modou Gaye, former deputy chief of Police; Gibril Ngorr Secka, former head of mission at the Gambia's Embassy in Guinea Bissau; Abdoulie Joof alias Lie Joof, civilian businessman; and Youssef Ezzedine alias Rambo,a Lebanese-Gambian businessman.
The eight were found guilty on all the two counts of treason charges including conspiracy to overthrow the democratically elected government of The Gambia under the leadership of President Jammeh, filed in against them by the state.Handing down the sentence, the judge said: "I hereby read the judgment as follows; Lang Tombong Tamba, you are hereby sentenced to death on both counts one and two; you shall suffer death in a manner prescribed by the law. You have the option of appeal against this judgment."The same sentence was read out to Omar Bun Mbye, BO Badjie, Kawsu Camara, Modou Gaye, Gibril Ngorr Secka, Abdoulie Joof and Youssef Ezzedine, the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth accused respectively.
On hearing the judgment, some relatives of the accused persons collapsed inside the court premises, while others burst into tears; some others kept wailing and uttering words of despair like: "My son is gone, he is dead, what can I do now that my son is dead?" Prior to conviction and sentencing of the accused persons, the presiding judge had commenced reading from his three-and half-hour judgment after the arrival of the accused at about 10:30am in a crowded court filled with relatives, friends, co-workers of the accused and media personnel.
When the judge sat on his seat, he drew the court's attention to order and the director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Richard Chenge, announced his representation for the state assisted by his deputy, Abdulahi Mikailu. Sherrif Tambedou announced his representation for the first and fourth accused, Lang Tombong Tamba and Kawsu Camara; Pap Cheyassin Secka announced his representation for the second, third, fifth, sixth and seventh accused, Omar Bun Mbye, Bo Badjie, Modou Gaye, Gibril Ngorr Secka and Abdoulie Joof alias Lie Joof; while Hawa Sisay-Sabally announced her representation for the eighth accused Youssef Ezzedine.
The judge urged the accused persons, who were standing on their feet in the dock, to sit down, and then went ahead to read from his judgment, making extensive references to the charges brought before the court.According to the High Court judge, the accused were brought to court the on the 19th of March on three count charges of treason with the names of 10 accused persons in the charges. Justice Amadi indicated that the prosecution at the start of the trial applied for the name of Omar Camara and Colonel Ndure Cham to be struck out on the ground that they are not within the jurisdiction, hence the need to strike out their names on the charge, and the application was granted.
He further pointed out that, at the start of the trial, the defence challenged count three of the offence charged on the ground that it its defective and cannot be sustained.The High Court judge, who promised to deliver ruling on the application of the defence as whether count three should be strike out or not, yesterday ruled on the application by striking out count three of the offence charged.The judge noted that accused persons were charged with the offence of conspiracy to overthrow the democratically elected government of The Gambia and treason contrary to section 35 (1) (d) of the Criminal Code, Cap 10 Volume 3 Laws of The Gambia 1990.
Justice Emmanuel Amadi said the prosecution had called in 16 witnesses to support their case and at the end of the prosecution's case, the defense filed in a 'no case to answer submission' on the 17th of April 2010. He stated that the no case submission was overruled and he asked the accused persons to enter into their defence, which they eventually did, but none of them called additional witness or witnesses to support their case. Still commenting on the history of the four month-long marathon treason trail the judge said at the close of evidence from the defence, both the DPP and the defence filed in written addresses, which were adopted on the 5th of July 2010 and the case was adjourned for judgment.The High Court judge then disclosed that the evidence adduced in the course of the trial runs into hundreds of pages.
Conspiracy Charge
"In order to prove the offence of conspiracy, there must be an agreement between the accused persons and substantial evidence to show that there was a conspiracy. The question is how does the accused persons respond to the evidence of the PW1 Ebrima Marreh both in cross-examination and in their defence? It seems to me that the evidence of the accused persons were made to overshadow their real defence as they merely engaged in attacking the character of the witnesses. Their encounter at the panel of investigation was not properly disclosed before the court by the accused persons,"the High Court judge explained and went ahead to some portion of evidence adduced by PW1 Ebrima Marreh, who testified that the accused persons attended meetings at the residence of the first accused, Lang Tombong Tamba.
According to the judge, PW1 Ebrima Marreh said the first accused, Lang Tombong Tamba sent him to link up with Kukoi Samba Sanyang and Co. The judge then narrated the evidence of PW15, an NIA officer who testified on the 28th of April 2010 about the arrest of PW1 at the Farafeni Military barracks and his arrival at the NIA office in Banjul and how PW1 Ebrima Marreh disclosed the officers who sent him to the Farafenni barracks, and in-line with that, a panel was set up to investigate the matter and the PW1 later informed the panel about the plan and the purpose of his trip to Farafeni.
Further highlighting the evidence adduced by PW1 was his meeting with Major Kuluteh Manneh at the Yundum Barracks who gave him (PW1) the telephone number of Lieutenant Colonel Yerro Jallow. The PW1 also said that the fourth accused gave him the telephone number of Lt General Masanneh Kinteh and he (PW1) was not cross-examined on that. The judge then concluded that PW1 was familiar with the first accused Lang Tombong Tamba and not a liar as claimed by the defence, noting that the PW1 gave specific names of people who were present at the meetings, their positions and his relationship with them and none of them cross-examined him on this issue. Justice Emmanuel Amadi disclosed that the evidence of PW1 was that of an insider, and he went on to describe an insider as someone who participated or took part in any act.
He pointed out that it is unbelievable that all the accused persons were interacting on phone which shows that there was a link and intimacy between them.He further pointed out that the evidence of the first accused, Lang Tombong Tamba and three other accused persons that they were happy after they were dismissed from the armed forces could be regarded as euphemism and unbelievable having served many year's in GAF.
Justice Amadi stated that PW1 Ebrima Marreh was a member of the gang, but he cannot however convict the accused persons on the evidence of PW1 Ebrima Marreh alone, unless his evidence is corroborated; the trial judge then read page 205 in a book published by Justice Hassan B Jallow, describing the role of an accomplice and corroboration of evidence.
The Judge further stated that PW1 Ebrima Marreh is an accomplice in the evidence he led before the court and he agreed with the prosecution, which advanced that there can be an accomplice where there are no witnesses.He explained that PW2, Rui Jabbi Gassama is not an accomplice but an independent witness, and disagreed with the DPP that PW2 be regarded as an agent provocateur.
Justice Amadi said the court observed that PW2, Rui Jabbi Gassama as a businessman who travelled to Europe and America and operates all sorts of businesses.The Judge said PW2, Rui Jabbi Gassama was frank when he gave evidence about himself and how he met and knew the sixth accused, Gibril Ngorr Secka; the first accused, Lang Tombong Tamba ;and the third accused, Lamin Bo Badjie.
Justice Amadi said that from the evidence of PW2, Rui Jabbi Gassama, he was convinced that the prosecution has proven beyond all reasonable doubt that the first accused, Lang Tombong Tamba; the third accused, BO Badjie and the sixth accused, Gibril Ngorr Secka were part of the conspiracy which PW1 Ebrima Marreh had earlier told the court.
The Judge also disclosed that he found corroboration in the evidence of PW2, Rui Jabbi Gassama in the evidence of PW3, Kabirou Saidy, who testified before the court and explained how he had gone out with the sixth accused, Gibirl Ngorr Secka on several occasions, especially to the Samaritan Restaurant in Bissau.The Judge dilated on how PW3, Kabirou Saidy had told the court how he had warned the sixth accused, Gibril Ngorr Secka to be careful of his dealings, and had also seen the sixth accused with one Omar Kamara and PW2, Rui Jabbi Gassama.
Justice Amadi revealed that PW3, Kabirou Saidy was never cross-examined on the evidence of PW3.Was it not this Omar Kamara who was on the charge sheet as an accused person but had disappeared? The Judge asked, and disclosed that PW3, Kabirou Saidy's evidence is corroborated by the evidence of PW2 Rui Jabbi Gassama.The presiding Judge, Justice Amadi then held that the prosecution had proven the count of conspiracy to commit treason against all the accused persons and therefore found them guilty on count one, Conspiracy to commit treason contrary to Section 35 (I) of the Criminal Code Cap 10 Volume III, Laws of The Gambia.
About the treason charges
The presiding judge commenting on charges of treason and linking up to the evidences adduced in court by PW5, Lamin Cham, a police detective; PW3 Kabiro Saidy an employee at the Gambia Embassy in Guinea Bissau; PW1 Ebrima Marreh; and PW2 Rui Jabbi Kassama, among others said PW 5 Lamin Cham testified and informed the court that he was part of the officers who conducted a search on the house of the first accused, Lang Tombong Tamba and recovered some military items found in his residence.
According to the judge, the first accused Lang Tombong Tamba accepted that the said items were recovered in his residence, but he advanced the items were packed in a suitcase which he forgot after his removal from the service on the 9th of October 2009.The judge then revealed that the evidence of PW5 has been corroborated and he believes those military items were deliberately left in the house of the first accused for the purpose of a coup plot.The judge then backed up his comment with decided cases with reference to circumstantial evidences on issues of corroboration.
Justice Emmanuel Amadi pointed out the evidence of PW2 Rui Jabbi Kassama that he trained 300 mercenaries at a border between Guinea Bissau and Guinea Conakry. PW2 further said that the authorities in Guinea did not know about his training of the mercenaries and that he was assisted by some French and Americans in the training of the said mercenaries. However, no photographs of the training ground were tendered in court, instead we only hear about the training ground.
Under cross-examination, PC Secka asked the PW2 as to whether there was any training manual for his training of the mercernaries and PW2 responded in the negative, saying there was none, but (PW2) said he conducted the training at a place called Bambadinga and also accepted knowing a village called Bafata, but he denied knowledge as to whether there was any military barracks in that village as suggested by the defence counsel. "Based on this evidence, I therefore hold that the sixth accused and Kukoi Samba Sanyang engaged the services of the PW2 in training mercenaries on behalf of all the accused persons, the judge stated.
Further commenting on the evidence of PW2, the judge noted that he (PW2) had told the court both Kukoi and the sixth accused, Gibril Ngorr Secka did not pay him for the 200, 000 CFA meant for the hiring of a boat to transport arms to The Gambia from Guinea, and that the sixth accused denied knowing PW2 as well as knowledge of any coup plot.The presiding judge said he believed that the sixth accused, Ngorr Secka knows PW2 very well and they had operations together. The judge then backed up his comment with citation of some of the decided cases on the issues of denying the truth, and made references to the law of evidence book authored by Hassan B. Jallow
The Guinea Bissau Marabout
ON this issue, the judge pointed out the evidence of PW2 Rui Jabbi Kassama, who testified that he took both the sixth accused and Kukoi Samba Sanyang to a big marabout called Kankai Suwareh, who gave them some charms and ordered them and sacrifice 21 cows for the purpose of staging a coup plot in The Gambia. PW2 revealed the cost of each cow was 150,000 CFA and the said sacrifices should be held in the evening of a Friday. The judge noted that the PW2 said he misled both the sixth accused and Kukoi to believe that the marabout said the scarifices should take place in the early morning of a Friday instead of the evening so as make their coup plot fail.
The judge finally highlighted the evidence of PW1 Ebrima Marreh that he entered the Farafenni barracks after the departure of the Camp Commander, Yerro Jallow, but upon his entering the barracks, he (PW1) was arrested and detained, then later taken to the NIA office in Banjul.
Conviction of all the accused persons
After going through all the evidence adduced in court by both the prosecution and the defence, Justice Emmanuel Amadi announced that the prosecution have proved their case beyond all reasonable against the accused persons on all the two counts charged.This made Sherrif Tambedou, counsel for the first and fourth accused, Lang Tombong and Kawsu Camara to rise up, saying, "Your lordship, following the conviction of the accused persons, in this instance punishment for the offence is not death.I wish to confirm this to the court that in the instance the punishment for the offence is not death as pointed out in the DPP's address," the defense counsel told the court and went ahead to cite section to 35 (2) and section 55 (1) paragraphs (a)(b (c) (d) and (f) The defence counsel then urged the court not to pass death sentence, and instead impose either a life or a lesser sentence based on the discretion of the court.
PC Secka stated that none of the accused persons was charged under section 35 (1) (f) of the criminal Code. He maintained that the accused persons are liable to a life sentence and it is left for the court to exercise its discretion.Hawa Sisay-Sabally said her client is a sick man whose medical documents were tendered in the court.She then cited section 29 (1) of the Criminal Code. "My lord, it's on the basis of Section 29 (2) that I am submitting that my client is sick man and there is no evidence before the court to indicate that he is a habitual offender and therefore I submit that the court impose a lesser sentence on all the accused persons".
The plea mitigation
When the announcement of conviction was made, Sherrif Tambedou stood up and pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy on his clients, the first and fourth accused, Lang Tombong Tamba and Kawsu Camara.According to the defence counsel, Lang Tombong is a family head married with two wives with children. He added that Tamba is the head and breadwinner of his family who depends on him for survival and he is man who served 23 years in GAF and dedicated most part of his life serving The Gambia as a security officer.
On Kawsu Camara, Tambedou said he is also a family man married with three wives and children had also served in GAF for a long time. He added that both his father and mother are deceased, so there is need for the court to temper justice with mercy and exercise its discretion to impose a lesser sentence.
PC Secka said the eighth accused is a 68-year-old man and a businessman who has contributed tremendously towards development of The Gambia as indicated in both his evidence-in-chief and under cross-examination. PC Secka made plea on behalf of the second, third, fifth and the sixth accused persons.
Hawa Sisay-Sabally said her client is a businessman who contributed to the development of The Gambia, whose efforts were acknowledge by the government of The Gambia as indicated in the certificate and awards given to him by the president of the Republic of The Gambia.
DPP's reaction to court verdict
In his reaction to the judgement, DPP Richard Chenge told the Daily Observer in a telephone interview that the he is happy about the sentence, noting that the presiding Judge, Justice Emmanuel Amadi gave a correct verdict.The DPP explained that under Section 35 of the criminal code, the court has the discretion to impose death or life imprisonment sentence on any person or persons found guilty of treason.
He further explained that where the evidence shows that there was conspiracy to kill the president, the appropriate penalty or sentence is death, because section 35 (2) g of the Criminal Code clearly says that if there is an attempt or actual killing of the president, death sentence is mandatory.DPP revealed that his argument was that where there is a conspiracy to kill the president as in this case, the appropriate sentence is death.
"In both cases of attempt and conspiracy, the law is seeking to prevent the killing of the president and to agree to kill the president is bad," DPP, Richard Chenge concluded.
Author: by Sanna Jawara & Sidiq Asemota
Source: http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/lang-tombong-co-sink
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jul 2010 : 10:33:59
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When Dida Halake was defying all and sundry supporting a mad man just because he says the guy is doing development. Now Haqlake realises that, Development is no subsitute for human decency and fairness. Now he realises that, African dictators are a shame to humanity. Nothing that Yahya does can remedy the wanton craziness in the gambia. Halake, we don't hate Yahya because we dislike him, we dislike his madness, drunkenness and cowardly behaviour.
Look what he did. Before the veridct, he is miles away. Agian decieving the gullibles that, he has nothing to do with the trial.
Guys read Dida Halaje, a one time Jammeh defender:
London Letter: Gambia – A Perverse Verdict from the Court
Dear Editor,
On the 3rd of June I wrote that:
“If Tamba and Co. are sent to jail by this Nigerian Prosecutor and the Nigerian Judge, on the basis of the nonsense
from the prosecution witnesses we have heard from, then it will be the Rule of Law itself that will be sent to jail – and
The Gambia will be seen by the whole world as a lawless country. This would be a very sad state of affairs for me
personally, having had such a long and cherished association with The Gambia, and having personally supported
President Jammeh’s development efforts for so long”.
The issue is NOT Tamba and his colleagues per se, but the fundamental principles of the Rule of Law.
Here is the full piece published by Freedomnewspaper:
“With regard to the on-going saga of the so-called “Treason Trial” in The Gambia, I must start by saying that the Rule
of Law is the single most important basis for civilized human existence. It began with the 10 Commandments given to
Prophet Moses by God and became central tenets of the holy book of the Jews, The Torah. Those laws are also the
basis of the Christians’ Holy Book, the Bible – in the Old Testament. Those 10 Commandments are also the basis of
the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, in the Holy Book of Islam, the Holy Quran which President Jammeh
holds in his hands 24/7.
At the heart of those 10 Commandments given to us by God is the basis of our modern Law of Justice – the
Commandment that “Thou shall not give false testimony”.
The on-going “Treason Trial” is no longer about Tamba and his co-accused – just as the 1959 Rivonia Treason Trial
was never about Mandela and his co-accused. What is on trial is the Rule of Law itself; the civilized system of orderly
and just social conduct between citizens based upon the Constitution of The Gambia, a Constitution which all
Gambians from the President down are duty bound to uphold.
That Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia guarantees all accused persons, including Tamba & Co, a fair trial in
a Court of Law. For many weeks now, we have had testimony in an open Gambian court. Having listened to witness
after witness on behalf of the State (16 witnesses?) and having listened to the Chief Accused General Tamba, the
citizens of The Gambia are unanimous in one conclusion:- That Tamba and his co-accused are innocent of the “2009
coup” allegations. In any country where Due Process and the Rule of Law is respected:-
a) Tamba & Co. would have been acquitted of the charges against them a long time ago. Here in UK, the judge
would probably have stopped the trial on hearing the first chief witness (PW1) – and dismissed the charges on the
grounds that the chief witness is a totally unreliable individual. And
b) The State witnesses against Tamba and Co. could probably have been thrown in jail for lying to the Court under
Oath – for “giving false witness” (perjury).
When the first State witness in this “Treason” Trial (PW1) appeared, I analysed his evidence and I must reiterate that
the past weeks of the Trial have produced no evidence whatsoever to convince me and 99% of Gambians that Tamba
& Co were involved in “Coup planning” of any sort. I must say that I think the DPP is also convinced of their innocence
– and that is why he is now engaging in a fishing expedition in the murky waters of the 2006 Coup attempt, the
“disappearance” of Daba Marrenah & Co and the futile attempts to get Kukoi from Guinea.
The Kukoi issue is interesting but totally irrelevant to this case. It is also misleading to try and blame Tamba for Kukoi’s
non-return - because there were poor relations between Guinea and The Gambia at that time and the Guineans were
determined not to co-operate in Kukoi’s extradition to The Gambia.
I am surprised that the DPP has raised the 2006 Ndure Cham Coup matter in this trial. In my humble view the two
things are totally separate and there is no reason for mixing them up – except that the DPP sees like everyone else
that there is no evidence to support the 2009 “coup” allegations against Tamba and Co. If the DPP is now alleging
Tamba had anything to do with the 2006 coup, other than his heroic role of foiling it which everyone knows, one is
forced to ask: why bring it up now? Why not bring it up in 2006, in 2007, in 2008 or even in 2009? Why was Tamba
decorated so much and elevated to The Gambia’s first ever General – if he was involved in a past coup attempt
against Jammeh? The DPP’s answer will probably be “we learnt of his involvement only recently – from Death Row
inmate Captain Darboe”. Then we would ask why Darboe, convicted to hang in 2006, did not finger General Tamba
until now? Darboe could have been hanged anytime between 2006 and now. Yet, having this information about Tamba
which could save him from death, he did not use it until now when the DPP’s case against Tamba is falling apart.
Really, in any self-respecting court of law, the 2006 allegations against Tamba in this trial would have been ruled
inadmissible – and irrelevant.
Similarly with the matter about Dabba Marenah and Co’s “disappearance”. Surely, the Gambian government’s position
since 2006 is that Marenah and Co. “over-powered their guards and escaped”. How can the government now turn
around and claim that Tamba had anything to do with their disappearance? Tamba was the Chief of Defence Staff
(CDS) when they “over-powered their guards and disappeared”. Are we being told that they were in the custody of the
Gambia Armed Forces rather that the Prison Service or the NIA? Are we being told that the Chief of Defence staff was
a “guard” escorting them? Are we being told that their fate, if indeed they never “escaped” as claimed, was in the
hands of the Chief of Defence Staff?
Like I said before, as with Mandela’s case, it is the Rule of Law that is on trial here. Tamba and Co. (whatever we may
think of them as persons) are entitled to a fair trial under the Law of The Gambia. If that trial produces no evidence to
convict them, as is the case here, they are entitled to go free. If Tamba and Co. are sent to jail by this Nigerian
Prosecutor and the Nigerian Judge, on the basis of the nonsense from the prosecution witnesses we have heard from,
then it will be the Rule of Law itself that will be sent to jail – and The Gambia will be seen by the whole world as a
lawless country. This would be a very sad state of affairs for me personally, having had such a long and cherished
association with The Gambia, and having personally supported President Jammeh’s development efforts for so long.”
Yours,
Dida Jallow-Halake.
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Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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