FEMI PETERS’S APPEAL DISMISSED

APPEAL Denied By Amadi Justice Amadi Invokes Lower Court’s Decision To Justify His Ruling

 Reporter Bakary Gibba & Pa Nderry M’Bai

Email: panderrymbai@gmail.com

Tel# 0011-919-749-6319

Opposition members anticipation to have one of their leading officials Femi Peters, freed by the high court in Banjul, were dashed way on Thursday, when presiding judge Justice Emanuel Amadi, dismissed an appeal filed by the leader of the United Democratic Party, and  also a veteran human rights lawyer Ousainanou Darboe. Justice Amadi’s decision to throw away the opposition’s appeal—challenging the decision of the lower court to jail its official for one year in prison, sent a shocking waves among family members, and UDP supporters here, the Freedom Newspaper can report.

The verdict marks an end to weeks of legal wrangling, in which the opposition UDP, under the leadership of Ousainanou Numou Kunda Darboe, contested magistrate Kayode’s decision to jail Femi Peters. The UDP in a court deposition contends that the trial magistrate erred in law by jailing peters without giving due regards to the constitution, which the appellants said embraces free assembly and speech. The party’s leadership also advanced numerous arguments to justice the appeal, but high court judge Justice Amadi ruled that the opposition’s grounds of appeal lacks merit. Justice Amadi invoked the decision of the lower court as a basis for his decision to dismiss the appeal.  He ruled that Mr. Darboe’s arguments were untenable and consequently dismissed the appeal in its entirety.

An angry looking Lawyer Darboe, hurriedly walked out of court shortly after the verdict was handed—amid a handful of distressed party supporters who showed up in court to register solidarity with their jailed leader.  Mr. Darboe uttered no word in court. He left the building with a heavy heart.

Dressed in a black suit, and a white shirt, a confident looking Femi Peters was escorted back to prison by armed paramilitary and prison wardens.  Mr. Peters has so far served four months in prison. He was jailed on April 1 by the Kanifing magistrates court.

Femi Peters  earlier arrived in court with the jailed former police chief Essa Badjie, and other state detainees, who were put on board a mini prison truck.  There is no information yet as to whether he would appeal the decision of the high court.  He has 14 days to file an appeal with The Gambia Court of Appeal.  If his second appeal bid emerged unsuccessful, Peters could as well file an appeal to the Supreme Court, which his last hope on his quest for legal freedom.

           Imam Touray Dies

In a separate development, the death of Brikama Imam Karomo Touray has been announced.  Imam Touray was buried Thursday at his home town Brikama, where thousands of Muslims converged to pay their respect to the late religious leader.

Imam Touray suffered persecution under Jammeh’s rule. He was jailed alongside with Lamin Waa Juwara, following allegations that they were responsible for the demolition of the Brikama mosque. His health deteriorated since his arrest about a decade ago. 

Former Interior Minister Momodou Bojang, who is now on self imposed exile in the United States,  was said to be very instrumental in facilitating the arrest, and subsequent detention of the late Imam Touray. The Imam was in the Atlanta, Georgia undergoing medical treatment before returning home.