This is an update on the situation of the seven Gambian journalists who are being prosecuted by the government of The Gambia on various charges of seditious publication and criminal defamation.
The seven; Ms Sarata Jabbi-Dibba, Bai Emil Touray and Pa Modou Faal of the Gambia Press Union executive, Pap Saine and Ebrima Sawaneh of The Point newspaper and Sam Sarr and Abubacar Saidykhan of Foroyaa newspaper, appeared before Justice Joseph Wowo of the Gambia High Court again today (Tuesday, 21 July) for continuation of their trial.
The case was once again continued in chambers for the state witness from the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to give evidence in-camera. Therefore, apart from the accused and their lawyers, no member of the public was allowed to attend.
During the Tuesday appearance, the defense lawyers made an application for the presiding judge, Justice Wowo to excuse himself (withdraw) from the case because they said their clients had no confidence in getting a fair trial from him, but, not surprisingly, Justice Wowo ruled against the application, and insisted that the trial should continue in his court.
The case was adjourned to Thursday 23 July for the defense counsel to examine the prosecution witness, in-camera of course.
For: Ndey Tapha Sosseh,
President - Gambia Press Union
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