UDP militant cross-examined

Lasanna Jobarteh, charged with broadcasting without licence, was recently cross-examined before Principal Magistrate Ibrahim Kijera of the Bundung Magistrates’ Court

The accused, Lasanna Jobarteh, under cross-examination, told the court that on 14 and 15 December 2013, he was part of the organizing committee of the rally held by the UDP, and he recorded images and speeches.

He said it was correct that he was in charge of the communication of the party leader, and the name of his party leader is Ousainou Darboe.

He added that he Lasanna Jobarteh had Skype account and Mr Darboe also had a Skype account.

He added that he used Darboe’s account to communicate, but not to Freedom radio and the I-pod he used to communicate was given to him by Mr Darboe.

“I can communicate on Skype,” he said.

It was put to the witness that he was broadcasting the political rally of the UDP on 14 and 15 December, both at the Buffer zone and at Brikama, but the witness denied that.

As to why he disconnected when Freedom radio connected on to Mr Darboe’s Skype,  the witness replied that he had the choice to disconnect anyone who logged on to his Skype account.

“I did not accept the choice of broadcasting the political rally on Freedom radio,” he added.

“Yes, I spoke to Mr Pa Nderry Mbai on Skype. I know that the UDP supporters were using laptop to see the images, because I spoke on Skype,” he stated.

The case continues on 27 May2014.