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Former CJ Wowo, 8 others pardoned

Jul 31, 2015, 11:12 AM

Acting within powers conferred upon him by Section 82 of the Constitution of The Gambia, President Yahya Jammeh yesterday, after consultation with the Prerogative of Mercy Committee, pardoned and ordered the immediate release of nine more convicted prisoners serving sentences ranging from death to two-year imprisonment.

They are Joseph Wowo, former Chief Justice; Seedou Bojang, former accountant of the national anti-drug agency, NDLEA; Karamu Bojang, former deputy director of NDLEA; Ousman Sanneh, former commissioner of operations of NDLEA; Mam Matarr Secka, former military officer; Kuluteh Manneh, former military officer; Mamud B. Sarr, former Commander of Gambia Navy; Salifu Nyang, civilian, and Yusupha Saidy also a civilian.

In his address during the 21st anniversary of the July 22nd Revolution, President Jammeh said those convicted of treason, murder, drug related offences, and rape are all pardoned if they are not repeat offenders, and were convicted in 2013 and before.

Released foreigners are to be deported immediately, he ordered.

In view of his prerogative of mercy, more than 200 prisoners were released from the Mile II central prisons in Banjul last Friday.