| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Momodou
Denmark
11640 Posts |
 Posted - 15 Oct 2011 : 10:32:44
|
Ex-Information minister complains of prison conditions
By Sainey M.K. Marenah
Friday, October 14, 2011
 Dr. Amadou Scattered Janneh, former Gambian minister of Information and Communication, yesterday at the high court in Banjul complained of poor conditions in his prison cell at the Jeshwang Prison, saying that the roof has been leaking water since the rainy session started.
The issue of poor conditions in Dr. Janneh’s prison cell came to light yesterday in the case, hearing of which was expected to commence, but the case could not proceed as his defence lawyer, L.S. Camara, was not in court.
Janneh’s complaint was made known to the court by lawyer Borry S. Touray who held brief for L.S Camara.
Counsel told the Special Criminal Court that, “My lord, the defence counsel in this case is absent and, on this grounds, the case could not proceed without the accused person’s counsel.”
B.S. Touray further submitted that he could not proceed with the hearing because the case file was not with him, adding that the case is about treason which is serious offence, and he has no idea about the case.
He added that he received information from Dr Janneh that his prison cell was not in a good condition, and that the roof has leaked water, since the start of the rainy session.
Counsel said his client had told the prison authorities at Jeshwang Prison, but nothing was done about it.
The Director of Public Prosecution, M. Abdullahi, insisted that the prosecution would proceed with the hearing, as they had witnesses in court to testify against the accused persons.
“My witnesses have come all the way to the court to testify leaving behind their work, so it will not be fair on their side when the case is adjourned,” DPP said.
However, the judge ruled that for a fair hearing and justice, he would adjourn the matter, but warned that the case must proceed on the next adjournment date, with or without the counsel.
He also made a court order for the prison authorities at Jeshwang Prison to improve the prison cell conditions of Dr Janneh, for the inmate’s health and well-being.
“Prisons authorities are hereby directed to take steps to ensure that the cell in which the accused is detained is clean and clear,” Justice Nkea ruled.
He subsequently adjourned the hearing of the matter till 19th and 20th of October 2011 at 11 am each day.
Readers would recall that Dr Amadou Scatred Janneh and three others, namely Ms Ndey Tapha Sosseh, former president of the Gambia Press Union, Mathew K. Jallow and one Famara Demba, were in June this year charged with treason.
However, Ms Ndey Tapha Sosseh, Mathew K. Jallow and Famara Demba were all said to be out of the jurisdiction, at the initial mention of the case.
Janneh, Sosseh, Jallow and Demba are, among others, accused of conspiring amongst themselves on 26th May 2011 at diverse places in The Gambia to print and distribute 100 T-shirts which carried a seditious statement, “Coalition for Change the Gambia: End Dictatorship Now.”
Dr. Janneh also faces a two-count charge of seditious acts alongside Michel C. Ucheh Thomas, Modou Keita and Ebrima Jallow, all of whom were previously arraigned at the high court in Banjul, and denied the charges.
State prosecutors accuse Dr. Janneh on count one of treason, stating that he conspired with Ndey Tapha Sosseh, Mathew K. Jallow, Famara Demba, and others at large on 26th May 2011 in diverse places in The Gambia to overthrow the Gambia government.
Dr Janneh, Ndey Tapha Sosseh, Mathew K. Jallow, and Famara Demba were also accused of preparing to overthrow the Government of The Gambia by unlawful means on 26th May 2011 in diverse places in The Gambia and elsewhere.
On count three, prosecutors further charged Dr. Janneh, Modou Keita, Ebrima Jallow, and Micheal C. Ucheh Thomas with seditious acts.
Prosecutors said the four accused persons and others at large conspired amongst themselves on 26th May 2011 at diverse places in The Gambia to print and distribute 100 T-shirts which carried seditious statements: “Coalition for Change The Gambia: End Dictatorship Now.”
Dr. Janneh, Modou Keita, Ebrima Jallow, Micheal C.Ucheh, and others at large were also accused to have on or about the 26th May 2011 at diverse places in the Republic of The Gambia with intent to cause or bring into hatred, contempt or excite disaffection against the person of the President or the Government of The Gambia, printed and distributed 100 T-shirts carrying seditious statements: “Coalition for Change the Gambia: End Dictatorship Now.”
Dr. Janneh and his co-accused were previously arraigned at the
Banjul Magistrates’ Court charged with treason, conspiracy and sedition, but the matter was later transferred to the high court, which has jurisdiction to hear the case.
Following their appearance at the high court, the prosecution, on two occasions, did not file substantial charges against the accused persons, until yesterday when they presented the charges.
Janneh, a former political science lecturer in the US and at one time a political and economic affairs officer at the US Embassy in Banjul, was arrested since June 2011.
Source: The Point
|
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
|
|
Scorpiorain
Barbados
152 Posts |
Posted - 23 Oct 2011 : 01:47:56
|
http://www.freedomnewspaper.com/Homepage/tabid/36/mid/367/newsid367/6933/Breaking-News-Gambia--GAMBIAN-PRISONERS-ON-HUNGER-STRIKE/Default.aspx
Prisoners in The Gambia are on hunger strike—protesting against the prison’s poor living condition, lack of proper sanitation, health attention, good food, among others, the Freedom Newspaper can report. The hunger strike started on Thursday, and the prisoners want the world to be aware of their plight, as a good number of inmates have died in the recent past in The Gambia due to hunger, and malnutrition related illnesses. The most recent case involved a Dutch National, who was confined to a “one man cell” infested with mosquitoes—resulting to his untimely death.
“The prisoners refused to eat poorly cooked food served to them by the Prison guards, on the grounds that unless their plight is met they will not eat any food. They are demanding decent dwelling, balanced diet, access to medical attention, and visit passes to be extended to their families, said a source familiar with the story.
The entire Mile Two prison population are taking part on the hunger strike. An eighty three year old man is among the protesters, said our source. The prisoners are openly complaining about the inhumane, and degrading conditions they have been exposed to by Gambia’s prison authorities. The prisoners said the food at Mile Two is bad, and that they are being treated like animals.
The prisoners are also appealing to the International Red Cross Society, and other human rights Organizations around the world to come to their aid. International news Organizations such as the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), the voice of America Radio, CNN, and other news sites are being urged to focus their coverage on the plight of the Mile Two prisoners, said a source concerned about the prisoner’s plight.
They also want to see an improvement to their living conditions. Prisoners suffering from health related issues have been denied access to medical treatment, balanced diet, and proper sanitary conditions.
The death of the Dutch National was caused as a result of neglect, as prison officials refused to accord him medical treatment when he complained about a recent illness. The prisoner was confined to a “one man cell” without access to good food, and medical attention, sources said.
"There is no fan in that prison, and the place is too hot. Prisoners are dumped in one place without good food, proper sanitation, and medical attention. What's happening at Mile Two is unacceptable," said our source.
The Mile Two hunger strike has spread across the entire prison population. An eighty three year old prisoner is also taking part on the strike, said our source. The prisoners are calling on the Minister of Interior, Justice, and other relevant authorities in Jammeh’s Government to visit the Mile Two and assess their plight, said a source familiar with the story.
Prison officials reacted to the prisoners hunger strike with a retribution. The only television set that was meant to serve as entertainment outlet for the prisoners had been taken away, sources said. The prison guards have also stopped serving food to the prisoners, as another way punishing them.
“The environment is charged within the Mile Two prisons. There is a bad blood between the prisoners, and the prison authorities. The situation could degenerate into a full riots if not handled with care. The prisoners had reached to a point that they are saying enough is enough!,” said our source.
About seven inmates are currently suffering from the dreadful malnutrition disease locally called here “ Beriberi.” The prisoners had developed swollen face, and body. The disease is indiscriminately killing Gambian prisoners. Many a time prisoners will die due to Beriberi.
Prison officials have confirmed the hunger strike. They said the strike had been ongoing since on Thursday. " The prisoners said they have no alternative but to embark on a hunger strike. The prison command is aware of the situatution," said a source close to the prison command in Banjul. |
 |
|
|
Janyanfara
Tanzania
1350 Posts |
Posted - 23 Oct 2011 : 02:31:19
|
Typical Gambian way. Push push and abandoned when caught
Soon I mean soon, one would be wondering if Dr. Janneh even ever existed
Does it worth fighting for Gambians is sometimes what comes to mind?
If I never thought my children deserve a better Gambia than Yahya Jammeh is offering us, I would have never joined politics. |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
Topic Locked
