Annika,

The whole judicial system in the Gambia is  politically controlled,it has
very little taste for the truth and justice.I however see no reason to keep
some one for a whole year without hearing his/her case with such serious
charges and yet still insiting that there are evidence against them.I have
said here that if this paranoid regime have evidence against these people
then their trail would have been another parade on the national TV.This
Italian who certainly know the physiology of these paranoid people had no
problem in winning the confidence of even the president,check his salary and
his life style,he would never dream of such power and influence in his own
country.This case must be spread,it is a typical example of how this fascist
regime is ruling this country,putting the law in their own hands.

For Freedom
Saiks
----- Original Message -----
From: Annika Renberg <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, June 24, 2001 1:45 AM
Subject: Dumo - one year in detention


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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