Babylon Case, 30 Remanded, 2 Bailed

The Babylon trial could not proceed yesterday at the Brikama Magistrates' Court.

The case was called but could not proceed because of the absence of defence counsel, Antuman Gaye.

The state counsel, Buba Bojang, told the court that he was in touch with Momodou Bantang Mboge, who had been holding brief for Antuman Gaye, in the morning and he said that Antuman Gaye would be in court.

But after waiting for a prolonged time, the case was subsequently adjourned until 26th March 2009.

Though, Lawyers Antuman Gaye and Momodou Bantang Mboge came to court, but at a time the court had rose.

Magistrate Jammeh told the accused persons he could not grant them bail, as the charge of arson is unbailable.

However, two of the accused persons, Sanna Demba and Ousman Colley were granted bail in the sum of D20, 000 each on account of their poor state of health.

Momodou Secka, one of the accused, told the court that they are denied visits even by family members, and are not allowed to change clothes.

In that connection Magistrate Jammeh gave directives to the Director of Prisons to allow the accused persons their fundamental rights until they are proven guilty. He maintained that they should allow their families and loved ones to visit them and also to have change of clothes.