Editorial: Why Is Jammeh Not Testifying In The GPU Six Case??

Revelations coming from the defamation trial involving the six Gambian journalists are encouraging so to speak. The witnesses are speaking out, which is very healthy in any true democratic dispensation. They all defended their respective roles as Editors, and journalists by ensuring the proper dissemination of The Gambia Press Union Press release.

Contrary to Jammeh’s belief that this case would scare critics, including journalists, we are pleased to report that none of the accused persons appeared intimidated. They are siren, composed, and focused. 

What we have learned  from the GPU six trial is that fear tactics never last. Jammeh can keep his scare tactics in his pockets. Gambians are no longer scared of him. People shall continue to express their rights to free expression, no matter what.

While we do not want to pre-empt the pending case, we reserve the right to comment on the gallantry of the accused persons. They have proven to be true patriots of The Gambia. We salute you all for your courage, and determination to fight for justice, equal rights, and liberty in The Gambia.

It was a wise move on the side of the accused person’s lawyers to insist that the matter be heard in an open court. This would avail the private media the opportunity to be able report verbatim the court proceedings.

This case is very important as far as the history of The Gambian media is concerned.  It came at a time when the nation had been engulfed with political, and economic uncertainties. There is insecurity everywhere across the country.

We hope and pray that the presiding judge will dispense justice with fairness, without any prejudice. Making commentaries  such as Sam Sarr should be conferred with a law degree, has no bearing with the main substance of the case. As a judge, you are expected to exercise impartiality in your decisions. You should pledge your allegiance to the law, and not Jammeh.

Pap Saine,  Sam Sarr, and other accused persons,  have spoken well in court. The decision now  lies on the judge to decide their fate. We hope justice is seen to be administered to the letter.

We are pretty sure, Jammeh must be  crying at his bed room in view of the revelations coming from the court. His irresponsible GRTS interview, we are told warranted the GPU reaction.

It is imperative to note that the principal complainant  in this case is President Jammeh. We still cannot comprehend  his conspicuous absence in court as a prosecution witness.

There is no indication suggesting that Jammeh has been lined up as a  witness. The witnesses forwarded by the prosecution so far came from the NIA.

None of the witnesses were mentioned in the GPU press release, which rendered their testimonies irrelevant, and unreliable. I hope the judge is taking this major legal flaw on the side of the prosecution  into consideration.  Effecting an arrest does not qualify them to serve as competent witnesses. The complainant is Yahya Jammeh, and not the NIA. Do you see the legal logic here?

The defense team should consider summoning Jammeh to court. Jammeh’s presence in court is very essential in this matter. Why wasting your precious time engaging dubious witnesses, when the complainant is at large. Jammeh should show up in court in the interest of fair hearing.