It is in its last days. Lets push hard to get the message across. Every little thing counts. 
 
 
http://www.gainako.com/AN OPEN LETTER TO JUSTICE MABEL YAMUAIn the matter of Ms. Jaw-Manneh vs. the Jammeh administration. Honorable Judge, I write from the far not to beg for mercy or interfere with Ms.Jaw-Manneh’s case while it is a matter under the jurisdiction of your court, but I write to ask your honor to observe due diligence on the ongoing matter. This would include acquitting the case since the matter under observation was placed before many judges who couldn’t preside over it because the case is “out of their jurisdiction.” That goes a long way telling us that the crime for which she was charged was not there, and in essence she is ‘innocent.’ Therefore, in the interest of true justice, it is only fair that she is acquitted in this long-dragging snail case. Honorable Judge,Imagine a world with leaders whose followers cannot have freedom of expression. Imagine a world where the oppressed cannot drop tears. Imagine a world where the sworn Judges cannot make independent decisions. Imagine a world where political and human rights activists are continually subjected to killing and jailing. The list goes on and on. As citizens of the Gambia, we are entitled to our freedom and liberty. That freedom further empowers us to criticize those leaders of ours whose actions don’t conform to the Gambian constitution. From the president down to lowest civil servant cannot be immune from public scrutiny and criticism; hence their earning is from Gambia’s coffers. It goes a long way saying that leaders are supposed to be humble servants of the people. Leaders cannot turn their angry swords towards the innocent citizenry because it is certain they are far from being enemies of the state. Honorable Judge,“Justice delayed is justice denied.” Ms. Jaw-Manneh was arrested on March 28th 2007, and since then her case has been delayed by randomly moving it from one court to another, notably from Magistrate Buba Jawo to Magistrate Imelda Mboto and finally to your court- Your honor Justice Yamua .It is obvious that the state has an interest in the ongoing trial of Ms Jaw-Manneh. The manner and nature of which she was arrested attest to the fact of notorious witch-hunting by the self-proclaimed NIA thugs. But for the fact of a constructive argument, the Gambian National Anthem summed it all when it read “Let justice guide our actions.” That justice must be true justice. It shouldn’t be faked justice where those in power witch-hunt their critics while hiding under the cover of justice. It is a shame to that twisted justice. Ms Jaw-Manneh is also a graduate student, a promising public asset, whose activities in the past clearly showed conscience of true democracy. Honorable Justice,On May 19th 2007, Gainako’s co-editor and political commentator Mr. Demba Baldeh in an editorial argued thus: “The presiding magistrate must understand that while Fatou's case is one among many, it has unique historic significant in the administration of justice in the Gambia. While regimes and judges come and go, heroic administration of justice or lack thereof will always be recorded in the history books similar to the numerous civil rights cases defended by brave lawyers like Jonnie Cochran.”It is important to note that history is in the making, therefore let history record in full of what is under observation. In another articulate observation, the defensive editor Baldeh questioned the presiding Magistrate at the time, Buba Jawo thus: “Finally, at the conclusion of the trial and in delivering the verdict, Magistrate Jawo must allow his conscience to dictate what is right. He must render his verdict by answering the following questions. Does the constitution of the Gambia clearly guarantee the freedom of speech and expression of citizens? If yes, then you must acquit. Does criticizing the President in his service to the nation a democratic state constitute sedition? If no, then you must acquit. Does the prosecution's witness - the NIA agents, violate Fatou's right to access legal counsel before taking her statement? If yes, then you must acquit Fatou Sir.”Therefore, honorable Justice Yamou, I am directing the same write-up to your court with the hope that you will finally acquit the case. It is not in my doubt that acquitting her might cost you your job, but that the oath you took to protect justice you must never betray or belie. While the case is spineless, it is prudent that such a case should be acquitted forthwith without delay. It should be an example to the spiteful prosecutors whose whims and caprices continually capitalized on entrusted state power to silent innocent citizens arrogantly without due respect to law. Guardians of the law must render justice without fear or favor. By acquitting this case, you would be setting a record. History will cherish you for ever. The basis under which I am arguing for acquittal of the case is that the case doesn’t have merits for prosecution, i.e. to say that the charges don’t exist. Secondly, Ms Jaw-Manneh is of good moral character and openly supported democratic means of governance. She is also a good mother, a successful Gambian woman yearning for beneficial education beyond undergraduate level. I also take this opportunity to call on the Imam-ratib of Banjul, Gambia’s SOS for justice, and the diplomatic core representatives in the Gambia notably the US, British and other ambassadors to interfere with full support of justice. Private individuals and the international community should rise up and know “injustice to Gambians is injustice to others.” The effort by the Media Foundation for West Africa based in Ghana is worth emulating. They have succeeded in launching full support for justice by their petition of justice for Chief Ebrima Manneh. That trend must continue in other directions of human rights abuses. In the end we conclude by saying repeating Gandhi’s words, thus “When I despair, I remember that throughout history, the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers; and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall.”Honorable Justice Yamua, thank you for giving this letter the respect it deserves. Sincerely,xxxxxxxxxx
 
 
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