By Amadou M Jadama
Police prosecutors have charged 13 people in connection with last Friday’s demonstration in Kanilai village, the birthplace of the former President Yahya Jammeh.
They are charged with five counts of criminal offences ranging from unlawful assembly, incitement of violence, prohibition of conduct, riot and conspiracy to commit misdemeanor. They all denied the charges.
The accused persons appeared before Principal Magistrate Omar Cham of Brikama where they are remanded until the court will decide whether to grant them bail.
The accused persons are: Ebou Benteng Sanyang, Ansu Jatta, Anthony Jammeh, Lamin Kujabi, Sambujang Badgie, Kaddy Badgie, Momodou Jeng Jallow, Awa Badgie, Ebrima Jammeh, Baboucarr Tamba, Assan Badgie, Cham Jarju and Saikou Omar Sanneh.
Police prosecutor Inspector Karafa Gibba objected to the bail of the accused persons citing security reasons which he said is currently tense between the youths of Kanilai and the security forces.
Prosecutor Gibba argued that if the accused are granted bail, they will continue to commit similar offences and some may jump bail. He then urged the court to remand them pending the outcome of the case in the interest of justice and public safety.
The trial Magistrate however adjourned the case to today to look into the possibility of bail as some of the accused are said to be in poor health.
