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Defence continues in breach of the peace case

Oct 15, 2014, 10:26 AM | Article By: Yai Dibba & Nyimasata Cham

The defence continued yesterday in the trial involving eight accused persons who were charged with conducting themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace and incitement of violence, at the Brikam Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Isatou Janneh.

The accused persons are Lamin Jarjue, councillor for Marakisa Ward,Yaya Bojang, councillor for Suba ward, Bakay Kujabi, Bakary Jarju, Abdou Jarjue, Lamin kulo Jatta, Dawda Njai and Juma Ceesay.

It was alleged in count one that on 25 June 2013 at Busura village, they conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace.

Count 2 stated that Dawda Njai and Juma Ceesay, on the same date and at the same place, allegedly incited others to take part at the meeting grounds in Busura village, which was calculated to bring physical injury.

In his defence testimony, Bakary Kujabi told the court that he was the chairman of APRC party in Marikisa Ward and that he knew Lamin Jarju, the councillor of Marakisa Ward

According to him, all his co-accused persons are APRC supporters, adding that on 25 June 2013 while he was in his compound, Lamin Jarjue, the 1st accused, told him there was going to be a presidential meeting in Busura village.

He said during the meeting he was unable to give the speech as chairman, because he was not given his chance to speak.

The meeting was successful because there was no problem during the meeting, he said, adding that the 1st accused told him that he provided vehicles to go and collect some people from Nyofelleh.

The 1st accused told him that he also provided fuel for the vehicles, and lobbied for tents from the area council to fix at the meeting grounds.

According to him, upon the arrival of the cultural group the place was tight and they left the fixing of the tent. That was the time the President also arrived, and they all joined in welcoming the President together with the youths.

He said while one BakaryJalang Sanneh was speaking, he saw Lamin Jarju, the 1st accused, telling a group ofwomen standing in front to move back a bit because the place was so tight and all those women are APRC supporters.

He said people started talking, and while the noise continued he also went where the 1st accused was to ask the women in front to push back a bit.

It was then an NIA officer called the 1st accused person and he also went with him, he said.

They asked the 1st accused person to board their vehicle together with him, and they drove the vehicle to Brikama police station.

The case was adjourned to 27 October 2014, for continuation of the testimony of DW3.