STOP PRESS

The seven journalists: Ebrima Sawaneh, Pap Saine, Pa Modou Faal, Sarata Jabbi-Dibba, Ebrima Saidykhan, Sam Sarr and Bai Emil Touray who are on trial at the Banjul High Court today pleaded not guilty to all charges preferred against them.

The journalists who were charged with five-count charges ranging from seditious publications, conspiracy to publish seditious publication and criminal defamation now have their charges increased to six.

When the case was called for hearing, following their not guilty pleas, the prosecution applied for the case to be heard in camera for the fact that the witnesses to testify are all state security agents and their names and identities should not be made public. This, the defence did not object to, but Sam Sarr who is representing himself, but he was overruled and the application was hence granted by the presiding Judge, Justice Joseph Wowo.

Meanwhile the case was adjourned to the 20^th July 2009.