DETENTION WITHOUT TRIAL MUST STOP-JAMMEH

As Jammeh Laments The Slow Pace Of Justice In Gambia!!!!

CALLS ON NEW JUDGES TO DELIVER THE GOODS

Lawyer Jobarteh, Awa Bah, Wowo, Amadi, And Others Sworn In

By Staff Reporter Peter Mendy, Banjul

Addressing the newly six hired Gambian judges Monday at the State House in Banjul, Gambian President Yahya Jammeh said his administration attaches great importance on the need for “timely and speedy” administration of justice. The President urges the new judges to help clear the backlog of cases—currently at the judiciary, especially on matters relating to murder, and drug trafficking.

Mr. Jammeh said the judges are expected to be loyal to the state, and  are also duty bound to dispense  justice without fair, or favor. He said the judges should endeavor to live up to their oath of office, and allegiance—pointing out that Gambians expect them to deliver the goods in the arena of jurisprudence.

The President was also concerned about the unnecessary delays in the administration of justice in this country. He reminded the judges that justice delayed, is justice denied, and therefore should avoid unnecessary court adjournments. 

Mr. Jammeh said drug, and murder cases should be expedited in the interest of  justice. He said the courts should ensure that those guilty of such heinous crimes are punished accordingly—as dictated by the country’s laws.

The President also lamented about the situation of detention without trial in this country. He says many inmates are languishing in jail without any criminal charges filed against them by the state. He warns that such undesirable practices must stop—insisting that if there is no evidence available to prosecute the alleged offenders of the law, they should be released unconditionally.

"Those detained for long time without any charges must be taken to court with immediate effect, because court cases involved two parties: one is the accused, and the other is the complainant. So your roles as judges is to ensure that there is  speedy trial—in order for justice to take its cause,” the President advised the newly appointed judges.

Mr. Jammeh’s statement followed the massive detention of civilians, and top officials of the country’s security forces, who are being held on suspicion of breaching national security. The detainees have been denied access to lawyers, and their families.

Also speaking at the swearing in ceremony was the Chief Justice of The Gambia Emmanuel Agim.  Mr. Agim  informed the President  that their primary objective was to prosecute all offenders as prescribed by the law, without unnecessary delays. But Chief Justice Agim laments that the fulfillment of such a noble objective, have been hindered thanks to the lack of adequate judges to man the country’s legal system. He assured President Jammeh that justice would be administered without delay, and that the appointment of these judges would further expedite the administration of justice in The Gambia.

Mr. Agim said the new hires are conversant with the country’s laws, and therefore expressed optimism that they would live up to expectations.

Some of the  newly appointed judges include: Lawyer Lamin Jobarteh a private practitioner, Joseph Wowo, Emmanuel EA Amadi and Awa Bah. They all reaffirmed their commitment, and willingness to administering  justice without fear, or favor.

The conspicuous absence of Justice Minister Marie Saine Fridaus was noticeable at the State House gathering.  No reason was advanced for Saine’s absence.

In attendance were senior Judges, Cabinet Ministers and other senior government officials.