HIGH COURT ORDERS THE RELEASE OF 20 STUDENTS Following the events of 10 April 2000, many student were arrested and detained. Some were released, but some were still detained. On 20 April 2000, The Gambia Student Association filed an originating summons against the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General seeking for the following declarations and orders: a) A declaration that the arrest and detention of Pa Alasan Ceesay, Sainabou Jaye, Lamin Jobe, Alajie Camara, Ebrima Daffeh, Abdou Sonko, Kaddy Njie, Musa Jobarteh, Omar Joof, Nakulang Ceesay, Baboucarr Ann, Alieu Khan, Baboucarr Jonga, Alajie Darboe, Lamin Jadama, Abdou Sonko, Lamin Touray, Alieu Krubally, Kebba Jallow and Janko Dibba is wrong, and is in contravention of the constitution; b) An order directing the unconditional release of these 20 students by the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General without further delay; c) An injunction against the Inspector General of Police, his agents and servants prohibiting them from interfering or in any way fettering the liberty of these 20 students. Hearing took place at the High Court before Justice Sey on Wednesday, 26 April 2000. The Director of Public Prosecution, Ms Atiba Davies represented the Attorney General and the Inspector General of Police while the applicant was represented by a team of lawyers led by Mr Ousman Sillah. When the case was announced, Ms Atiba Davies applied for an adjournment because, as she said, she received the application the day before. The judge turned down the application on the ground that what was before her was not a motion but an originating summons and that the issue concerned fundamental rights. In arguing in support of the motion, Mr Sillah pointed out that the application was brought in the form of an originating summons. Under sections 5, 17, 19, 21, 24, 25 and 37 of the Constitution, and the application was supported by a 31 paragraph affidavit. Mr Sillah then went through each paragraph. In the end, he noted that the alleged torture cases will be addressed in due course. RULING In her ruling, the judge ordered the respondents to forthwith release the 20 detained students unconditionally; that there should be no interference with their liberty as they are not charged. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html ----------------------------------------------------------------------------