Ex-Information Minister, others to open defence

The prosecution in the treason and sedition trial against former information minister Dr Amadou Scatred Janneh and three others yesterday rested and closed its case, after the testimony of 14 witnesses.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Mikailu Abdullah, informed the court of the prosecution’s decision during yesterday’s proceedings.

“My lord, we wish to inform the court of the closure of the prosecution case,” DPP Abdullahi told the Special Criminal Court presided over by Justice E. Nkea.

In response to the DDP’s submission, defense counsel Lamin Camara told the court that the defense was ready to open their case as soon as possible.

The trial judge subsequently adjourned the case till next week Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.

State prosecutors accuse Dr. Janneh on count one of treason, stating that he conspired with Ndey Tapha Sosseh, Mathew K. Jallow, Famara Demba, and others at large on 26th May 2011 in diverse places in the Republic of The Gambia to overthrow the Government of The Gambia.

Dr Janneh, Ndey Tapha Sosseh, Mathew K. Jallow, and Famara Demba were also accused of preparing to overthrow the Government of the Gambia by unlawful means on 26th May 2011 in diverse places in the Gambia and elsewhere.

On count three, prosecutors further charged Dr. Janneh, Modou Keita, Ebrima Jallow, and Micheal C. Ucheh Thomas with seditious acts.

Prosecutors said the four accused persons and others at large conspired amongst themselves on 26th May 2011 at diverse places in The Gambia to print and distribute 100 T-shirts which carried seditious statements to wit; “Coalition for Change the Gambia: End Dictatorship Now.”

Dr. Janneh, Modou Keita, Ebrima Jallow, Micheal C.Ucheh, and others at large are also accused to have on or about the 26th May 2011 at diverse places in the Republic of The Gambia with intent to cause or bring into hatred, contempt or excite disaffection against the person of the president or the government of The Gambia, printed and distributed 100 T-shirt carrying seditious statements to wit; “Coalition for Change the Gambia: End Dictatorship Now.”

It would be recalled tat Dr. Janneh and his co-accused were previously arraigned at the

Dr. Janneh was a forme political science lecturer in the US, and at one time worked as the political and economic affairs officer at the US Embassy in Banjul.