Friends at Gambia-L,

Today, June 24th , marks the anniversary of Dumo's detention. ONE YEAR of surrealistic nightmare. 

Lately we have all have access to the cautionary statements as well as the AG's consent to prosecute and summary of evidence. The authenticity has been questioned. Maybe I can contribute. I am familiar with this material in it's original form as it was given to the accused before the first day of the trial. Photocopies of their hand-written statements + the typed material from AG's chambers. Dumo himself clarified his writing to me where it was difficult to read due to bad quality of the photo copy.

There has also been doubts about the sensibility in exposing this material to a larger public. I can only say that I support the idea of spreading it.

For one year now we have been waiting for the court to hear the matter. Not even once has the real issue - the treason charges - been under debate. That also means that the accused have not yet had any chance to defend themselves. I think that clearly indicates that the state does not want this case to be exposed. Especially since their main witness (since last year) is one of the president's body guards. Consequently, since March 12, not even a date is set for the process to continue.

So then, what is the harm? I can understand that it is not popular with the government since they obviously prefer the whole thing to be silenced but ONE FULL YEAR has been wasted for the accused and their families and by now I believe that the only thing that can make a change is that a wider opinion start to react and put pressure towards the conclusion of this matter.

The condition under which these people are held - at the security wing of Mile II - is harsh and disgracful and they are daily subjected to the whims of both prison director and guards. 

The time that has already been wasted is far to long. Help to get these people out before another year has passed!

Annika

(Dumo's wife)

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