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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
 Posted - 04 Oct 2011 : 16:03:34
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Be very interesting to see the result of this request,approval or disapproval ?
“We have made a request and, if approved by the Inspector General of Police, on Monday 10th October, we plan to have a peaceful procession from the High Court in Banjul to Mile 2 Prisons,” she added. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 04 Oct 2011 16:04:56 |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 06 Oct 2011 : 04:58:41
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1. FOROYAA National News : BAR ASSOCIATION BOYCOTTS THE COURTS
"By Mamadou Dem and Lamin Sanyang Foroyaa
Foroyaa was reliably informed that Members of the Bar Association are not appearing in courts with effect from Monday 3rd October, 2011.
Combeh Gaye a lawyer by profession and secretary to the bar was contacted to shed light on the issue and she confirmed that they are not appearing before any court starting from Monday 3rd October to Friday 7th October 2011.
Combeh Gaye a lawyer by profession and secretary to the bar also said the reason for boycotting the courts has to do with the incarceration of former High Court Judge and colleague Moses .B. Richards’ Johnson.
She added that on Monday 10th October, 2011 they will embark on a procession starting from the high court in Banjul to Mile Two Central Prison.
The President of The Gambia Bar Association Sheriff Tambedou was said to have travelled to Niger and was not available for comment.
The complexes at the Banjul High Court and the Magistrates Court were on Monday, not the way it used to be, almost all the court rooms were not in operation and the lawyers had refused to show up at the courts. It was only two or three lawyers that had appeared but the rest had decided to boycott the sittings in order to pressure the government to release their colleague.
According to sources close to the Association the week long boycott would continue until their colleague is release. The reports revealed that if the demand is not met, on Monday 10th October, the lawyers would march from the High Court to the Mile 2 prisons.
While the strike is going on Monday, lawyers L.K Mboge and two others had appeared at the Court proceedings while Lawyer Ida Drammeh had also appeared at the Appeal Court yesterday. Lawyer L.K Mboge was one of the two lawyers who appeared at the courts and refused to administer the boycott. He told reporters that the boycott is meaningless. He said he would not support the boycott because he receives his income from his clients and not the association.
“The Bar is a toothless bull dog that can only bark but cannot bite,” he remarked.
Lawyer Mboge said that the Bar is only good at meetings and writing petitions but could not protect its members and the public. He said the courts are proceeding even though his colleagues are boycotting the sittings. He mentioned that the Appeal Court stroke out the case of lawyer Borry S. Touray because of his absence in court and was fined for fifty thousand dalasi.
However, lawyer Borry S. Touray was contacted about the issue. He said he is aware of the Appeal Court’s decision. He said he would apply to release the matter.
At Brikama Magistrates Court the cases were adjourned and no lawyer was seen around. Bundung Magistrates’ Court was quiet. Two of the courtrooms were empty and the third one was dull. Our reporter noted that she could see police prosecutors relaxing. She asked a lawyer leaving the premises of the court what was happening and she told her that it had something to do with the sentencing of Moses Richards. She proceeded to Kanifing Magistrates, Court where she saw another lawyer leaving the premises. She also told her that it has something to do with the sentencing of Mr Richards. This court was also dull. "
2. THE DAILY NEWS Lawyer Mboge Slams Lawyers’ Protests, Calls for Dialogue
3. RELATED Halifa Sallah's letter to President Jammeh On the Need to temper Law Enforcement with Justice |
Edited by - kobo on 06 Oct 2011 07:01:52 |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 06 Oct 2011 : 11:00:33
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| Big thoughts are going on at the moment in very high places I suspect, a DECISION has to be made as to allow or disallow this "peaceful procession from the High Court in Banjul to Mile 2 Prisons" This is much more than the quoted words here and EVERYONE knows that,what the outcome will be is very important to all Gambians,it just so happens that my favorite Gambian is the centre of this,something that he has no control over. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 07 Oct 2011 : 14:23:00
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Another bit of legal juggling here;
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/moses-richards-appeals-conviction
Moses Richards appeals conviction
africa » gambia
Friday, October 07, 2011
A team of more than ten lawyers, all members of the Gambia Bar Association, led by senior counsel Antouman Gaye has told the newly-designated judge of the Special Criminal Court in Banjul to excuse himself from handling or hearing the appeal filed by the Bar on behalf of their jailed colleague, lawyer Moses Richards, a former high court judge.
The lawyers’ stance followed Richards appearance at the high court in Banjul to appeal his conviction and sentence for two years six months with hard labour by the lower court in Banjul some three weeks ago.
Richards, it would be recalled, was convicted and sentenced for the offences of sedition, and of giving false information to a public officer.
Members of the Bar Association decided to stay away from the courts this week, in protest against his imprisonment.
“My lord we are applying for your lordship Justice Nkea to excuse himself from hearing this appeal,” counsel Gaye told the presiding judge.
The reasons advanced by Counsel Gaye, among others, were that the judge before being promoted to his recent post as judge of the high court in Banjul ordered the remand of Richards in police custody, but to the surprise of the Bar, Richards was instead taken to the State Central Prisons Mile 2.
“It will not be fair to the appellant’s case to be heard by the same man who remanded him in police custody. So we are calling him to excuse himself from the case,” counsel Gaye further told the judge, who wasted no time in writing a ruling to that effect.
Justice Emmanuel Nkea in his short ruling ordered the transfer of the case file to the Chief Justice for reassignment, as he would not hear the said appeal.
The state represented by the deputy Director of Special Litigations, Simeon Abi, did not raise any objection to the request of the defence team.
Richard was accused of giving false information to the Sheriff of the Gambia on 6th November 2010, by stating that the President of the Gambia had ordered the stay of execution of the writ of possession in civil suit with intent to cause the Sheriff of The Gambia to stop the execution of the said writ of possession.
Moses B Johnson Richards was further accused of publishing a letter to the Sheriff of The Gambia stating that the President of The Gambia had ordered the stay of execution of a writ of possession in the civil suit with intent to bring into contempt the person of the said President, sometime in 6th November 2010.
Author: Sainey M.K. Marenah
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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Scorpiorain
Barbados
152 Posts |
Posted - 07 Oct 2011 : 23:19:22
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quote:
Originally posted by toubab1020
Big thoughts are going on at the moment in very high places I suspect, a DECISION has to be made as to allow or disallow this "peaceful procession from the High Court in Banjul to Mile 2 Prisons" This is much more than the quoted words here and EVERYONE knows that,what the outcome will be is very important to all Gambians,it just so happens that my favorite Gambian is the centre of this,something that he has no control over.
Hmmmmm..... Denied 'for security reasons' |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 08 Oct 2011 : 09:29:20
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FOROYAA National News : THE BAR REACTS TO LAWYER MBOGE’S STATEMENT
"Editorial Note
This paper could not produce verbatim what the reporter wrote regarding the reaction of the Bar Association to Mr Mboge’s expression of frustration in calling the bar a toothless bulldog that cannot protect its members or the public.
The Gambia Bar Association reacted by expressing “ its disappointment at the unfortunate and irresponsible remarks made by Lawyer Mboge against the Bar particularly during this difficult period when the Bar has resolved to stand united to protect its independence, security and dignity which of late has come under severe threat. The recent prosecution, conviction and imprisonment of Moses B.J. Richards are testimony to the fact.” It considers it a duty to set the record straight. We wish to publish the following portion from the reporter’s article in order to preempt trial by media practitioners.
Bar Association Straightens the record
According to the Bar Association, “The case against Mr. Moses Richards was a direct result of letters he wrote on the direct instructions of his client. Lawyers, the world over have a right to defend the interests of their clients without fear of arrest or prosecution. The case against Moses Richards is an attack on the independence of the Bar in The Gambia and a catalyst for muzzling lawyers upon whom the public ultimately rely to fight for justice; hence the stance of the Bar regarding the Richards case.
“The Bar does not wish to comment on the merits of the case against Lawyer Mboge…. Lawyer Mboge received all the necessary support from the Executive of the Bar within its powers regarding his case. He has also secured the services of competent lawyers to defend him at no Cost. Lawyers are not themselves above the Law. The Bar expects that Lawyer Mboge would solicit the legal expertise of his colleagues to join in his defence if he deems it necessary.
It smacks of hypocrisy for Lawyer Mboge to blame “some individuals in the bar who refused to make a simple apology to end Moses Richard’s case until he [Richards] was incarcerated.” That decision was the decision of the entire Association after extensive deliberations and consultations among members. Mr. Mboge participated in those deliberations, and his comments about the matter are well minuted.
“Mr. Richards had done nothing wrong to apologise for and it was unclear to whom he was to direct that apology.” " Foroyaa |
Edited by - kobo on 08 Oct 2011 09:31:06 |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 08 Oct 2011 : 12:15:01
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| Kobo, Thanks for the update,just like the case against Moses Richards this latest interaction on legal matters will carry on for a great deal of time. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 08 Oct 2011 : 13:41:31
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More legal moves:
http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/justice-nkea-recused-from-richards-appeal-case
Snippet:
Justice Nkea recused from Richards appeal case
Africa » Gambia
Friday, October 07, 2011
Justice Emmanuel Nkea of the Special Criminal Court (SCC) in Banjul Thursday rescued himself from hearing the criminal appeal case involving the jailed former high court judge turned private legal practitioner, Moses Richards against the State..................................... |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 10 Oct 2011 : 04:01:31
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FOROYAA National News : Bar’s Application for Permit to March Disapproved
By Lamin Sanyang"
Information reaching this paper disclosed that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has refused to issue a license to the Gambia Bar Association for lawyers to embark on a procession that was planned for today, Monday, 10 October, in connection with the sentence of their colleague and former High Court Judge, Moses B. Johnson Richards.
“Our application was denied by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to march today,” said Lawyer Combeh Gaye, the Secretary General of the Bar Association.
When asked what the reaction of the Bar is concerning this refusal to grant them a permit, Lawyer Gaye told this reporter that the association would meet to discuss the way forward.
The President of the Gambia Bar Association, Lawyer Sheriff M. Tambadou, was also contacted to shed light on the matter. He confirmed that the IGP has refused to issue them a license to march. He added that the members of the Association would meet to discuss the issue.
“A press release will be given out after the meeting,” said the GBA President."
It could be recalled that Members of the Bar Association have embarked on a week long boycott of the courts in response to the conviction and incarceration of their colleague, Lawyer Richards, on sedition and False Information charges on the 19 September 2011. " |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 10 Oct 2011 : 11:22:30
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Well what a surprise,these people are lawyers, plenty of wriggle room for them yet,but will it make any difference ? What will they do?
After the meeting we wait for the press release, and the next stage will be outlined. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Momodou
Denmark
11640 Posts |
Posted - 10 Oct 2011 : 15:45:51
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Richards breaks with Bar Association, appeals to President Jammeh
Monday, October 10, 2011
Moses B Johnson Richards, a private legal practitioner who is currently serving a two years, six months imprisonment with hard labour after being found guilty of giving false information to a public servant, has totally disassociated himself from the strike currently being carried out by the Gambia Bar Association as a result of his conviction.
In a letter signed by Richards himself on October 8th, 2011, sent to the Daily Observer, the embattled lawyer said: “I disassociate myself from the strike and other actions of the Gambia Bar Association (GBA). The actions of the GBA from the beginning, has not helped my cause. I continue to apologise for my actions.” Meanwhile, Richards has also written to the Gambian leader, His Excellency, Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, pleading for presidential pardon.
The letter reads:
It is with great humility, for which my family is known, that I write this letter to you, it is not my intention to bore you with copious details at this time, for I know you are a very busy person, but please graciously find time to look at this my plea for leniency. As you are aware, the Banjul Magistrate Court, presided over by Alagbe, found me guilty on two counts of giving false information and sedition and sentenced me to two and a half years imprisonment with hard labour, the implication of this is that I must stay in prison for that length of time, I appeal to your personal sentiments, your office, your religious sensibilities and of course, the track record of your humane and generous disposition, to exercise your prerogative powers in my favour, by granting me pardon.
I had no intention to disparage you, with all these events, knowing how, I have always had the impression, that you love me so much, that I now wonder, how I got into this sorry situation, please your Excellency, your kind, generous and human heart, has been enjoyed by those who had done worse things than I have, that is not to say that I have any excuse for myself at this time, but find it in your kind nature to extend, this generosity to me, as I am on my knees pleading for mercy. Your Excellency sir, I want to assure you that I am still Moses Richards, the patriotic, citizen, judicial officer, eternally grateful for being appointed a judge, while still abroad on studies and whom you deemed fit to bestow a national honour twice.
Right now your Excellency, I am seriously afflicted, that I have offended you, and that grieves me greatly, because you are like a father and a mentor, I shall never conceive in my mind to offend, however, your Excellency, to err is human and to forgive is divine, let us turn a new life page today, and the spirit of the Ramadan that has just ended, say to you, “balal ma achal”. My aged mother, I may not be her only child but I happen to be her very valued friend, my children who are still in their formative stages, my clients and some other people to whom I am committed in one way or the other, will join me in being eternally grateful to you, for a positive response to this plea.
Your Excellency, as much as I shall cherish your receiving this plea, I vote that it is not a forum to be as detailed, as I would have loved to, if not for anything to show that, Moses Richards is still a patriotic and obedient servant of the Gambia, with unquestionable loyalty to His Excellency the president of the Republic. I look forward, your Excellency, to a well considered and compassionate response, thank you very much for this opportunity.
Accept the assurances of my unflinching loyalty.
Long live the President of The Gambia, long live the people of the Gambia, Long live the Republic of The Gambia.
Moses B. Johnson Richards
Author: Daily Observer
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