By Omar Bah
The Ministry of Justice yesterday issued a press statement assuring Gambians that the days of politically motivated prosecutions are over.
It said the President Barrow-led government is committed to upholding the rule of law and the fundamental human rights of every Gambian.
The statement came on the heels of two high profile politically related cases which were withdrawn from court by the state.
One involved Omar Touray, who was standing trial for insulting President Barrow while the other involved the national assembly member of the opposition GDC in Jimara Alhaji Sowe and colleagues.
The statement clarified that GDC NAM for Jimara Constituency Hon Alhaji Sowe was not acquitted and discharged by the Basse Magistrates Court and the impression that Honourable Sowe was being prosecuted by the State is inaccurate.
According to the Ministry, the charges were withdrawn by the police prosecutors after the Ministry advised that there was insufficient evidence.
“Following police investigations into the violence that erupted in Jimara constituency during the local government elections, the Ministry advised that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute Honourable Sowe. Consequently, the charges against him were withdrawn by the Police and Hon Sowe was accordingly discharged by the Court,” the release said.
The Justice Ministry furthermore urged media practitioners and commentators on judicial matters to seek confirmation of their facts before publications or commentary.
