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Momodou
Denmark
11831 Posts |
 Posted - 14 Sep 2007 : 19:26:19
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MALICK JONES AND MAM SAIT CEESAY REMANDED
The spokesperson of the Gambia Police Force, Inspector Sulayman Secka, has confirmed that Malick Jones and Mam Sait Ceesay are remanded at the State Central Prison at Mile Two.
Secka said the duo were unable to meet the bail conditions. Inspector Secka made this disclosure to the Foroyaa reporter on Thursday. The duo were paraded before Magistrate B.Y. Camara on Wednesday at the Banjul Magistrates Court.
Wednesday's Proceeding
Malick Jones, a radio producer cum presenter, and Mam Sait Ceesay, a press officer at the State House, appeared before Magistrate B.Y Camara of the Banjul Magistrates Court. They are charged with communication of code words contrary to section 4 (1) (a) of the Official Secrets Act, Cap 17:01 of the Laws of The Gambia 1990.
According to the particulars of the offence, between 5 and 7 September 2007, the two accused persons communicated or gave information to a foreign journalist, which is harmful to the security of the State.
Both accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them. Jones and Ceesay told the court that they were kept incommunicado since last Saturday and that they don't have the opportunity to arrange for a lawyer. Magistrate Camara said the charge is a bailable offence so he would want to know why the prosecution is opposing bail.
The Prosecutor, Cadet A.S.P Keita said the offence involves an intensive investigation both in the country and abroad. He said as far as the case is concerned, investigation is far from complete and that they have no doubt that if the accused persons are released on bail they would tamper with their investigation and that will jeopardize their efforts.
In his ruling magistrate B.Y Camara said the prosecution claims that the case requires an intensive investigation and the matter is of state security. He, however, said the charge is a misdemeanor and not a felony and that section 24 of the constitution guarantees individual right to liberty. He said the accused persons were in custody since Saturday. He, therefore, granted them bail but said the condition must be stiff because of state security. They were granted bail in the sum of D200, 000.00 and they must provide a Gambian surety with a title deed.
The case is adjourned for a fortnight for further hearing.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No 108/2007, 14 - 16 September 2007
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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