The alleged terrorism case involving sixteen accused persons has now been transferred to the Special Criminal Court Division of the High Court, where they appeared yesterday.
However, the case could not proceed as expected because the accused persons were unrepresented by a legal practitioner.
The accused persons were first arraigned at the Brikama Magistrates' Court, charged with "Prohibition of Act of Terrorism," contrary to Section 3 (1) of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002.
Alasana Thomas Jarju, Maulud Badjie, Lasana (Proper) Sambou, Ousman Jarju, Mansour Jatta, Sedat Jatta, Sedat Jatta, Fabia Nyafuneh, Pa Ousman Badjie, Abdoulie Jatta, Mumin Bah and Abdoulie Jarju, all Senegalese,and Samsideem Jammeh, Kebba Seckan, Kemo Conteh and Sam Kambai, Gambians, are alleged to have "on or about the 8th August 2006 at Darsilameh, and diverse places in the Western Region, jointly conducted and engaged themselves in an unlawful act which may seriously destabilise or destroy the fundamental, political, constitutional, economic and social structure of The Gambia"
According to the presiding judge, Justice Moses Richard, the accused persons are charged with a very serious offence, and noted that it is advisable for them to have a legal representation. He urged them to look for a legal representation of their choice before the State could step in if it is proven that the accused persons are unable to provide legal representation of their own.
The accused persons then urged the court to give them time to enable them look for a legal representation.
Consequently, the case was adjourned to 10th September 2009.
