By Mamat Taal, Banjul.
A magistrate court in Kanifing has dismissed the post election violence case involving seven supporters of the opposition United Democratic Party. Principal Magistrate Buba Jawo using his discretion and powers vested on him by the constitution, dismisses the said case. The charge sheet prepared by the office of the Inspector General of police was said to be full of inconsistencies and lack of evidence. The presiding magistrate never minces his feelings about the poorly written charge sheet. He therefore urges the police to put their house in order if they are really serious in indicting the seven accused persons.
Among the accused persons set free were: Fa Kebba Bojang, Sierh Bojang, Ebrima Arra Jatta, Yama Fatty, Jai Bojang, Menteng Bojang and Jalika Bojang. All the accused persons are residents of Bakau. They were accused of inciting political violence shortly after the declaration of the January 24TH Local Government Elections, which was won by their candidate Ousman Jatta, alias Rambo.
The popular politician has rebuffed the police’s claim in an interview with the local press. Rambo maintains that the Ruling APRC supporters started the violence. He says non of his supporters were acting rudely as claimed by the police.
About four people were left injured in that incident, most of whom were said to be supporters of the main opposition UDP. Angry APRC supporters attacked and threw stones at UDP supporters in Bakau. Police walked in and arrested seven of the UDP supporters. The detainees were charged with inciting violence and disturbing the public peace, a charge the accused persons denied.
A member of the Police Prosecution Department with the regimental number 870 Touray agreed with magistrate Jawo’s recommendation for the case to be dismissed for wanton of evidence. Touray informed the court that fresh charges would be filed against the accused persons at a latter date.
Consequently, the case was dismissed by magistrate Jawo. The seven UDP supporters walked out of court smiling. They were received by jubilant party supporters.
The UDP is Gambia’s biggest opposition party. Its party supporters and officials suffered untold persecution in the hands of the country’s security forces. Arrest, torture and abduction has been a common problem confronting the party.
It’s Leader Ousainou Darboe has always been advocating for the respect for the rule of law in The Gambia. He has on numerous occasions accuses the Jammeh Government for having little or no respect for political freedoms.