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Momodou
Denmark
11827 Posts |
 Posted - 24 Apr 2006 : 12:46:46
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THE BAR EXPRESSES CONCERN
After and outright condemnation of coups d’etat, the Gambia Bar Association expressed concern that the due process of law must be observed by the authorities in dealing with detainees. Below is the full text of their press release.
The Gambia Bar Association considers the present time the appropriate moment to express its views on the recent attempted coup d’etat, now that the dust has largely settled to allow dispassionate, clear, unbiased and constructive opinions. A coup d’etat is necessarily an attack on legality.
As lawyers we condemn without reservation all coups or coup attempts as among the gravest violations of law with the potential to bring about mayhem, death, destruction and economic and social decline.
Coups constitute an assault on the Constitution of The Republic, which can result in serious harm to or even cause the demise of democracy and the rule of law, since coup makers have a tendency to impose dictatorship on the populace. Any threat to the peace loving people of our beloved country must be resolutely overcome.
The first step is to remind all concerned that coups can be cruel and divisive, condemned by all Africans and disdained by thoughtful humanity throughout the world.
The Gambia Bar Association reiterates its condemnation of the attempt to overthrow the Government by illegal means.
However, it should always be remembered in dealing with those accused of attempting a coup that the constitutional provisions should be complied with. Principally, we emphasise that in The Gambia an accused person under the law has always been presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Since, currently no state of emergency has been declared, no one ought to be detained for more than 72 hours without being taken before the courts for them to determine whether any particular accused person is entitled to bail or not, under the circumstances.
We strongly believe that it is in the interest of all sections of society to ensure that detentions conform to law and regulations and those detainees are treated justly, charged without much delay and where prosecution is desired tried fairly before a court of law.
The Gambia Bar Association urges the authorities to adhere to the rule of law in all stages of arrest, detention and trial of the accused persons.
Source:Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 31/2006, 24-26 April, 2006
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 24 Apr 2006 : 13:07:11
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| i am glad that some one has spoken out. let us see what happens if they go to court |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 24 Apr 2006 : 18:40:52
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Jambo
The independence of the Judiciary is seriuosly tainted. I hope savage does better. |
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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