In
a statement sent yesterday to The Point, the Gambia Bar Association denounced
the meeting between co-prosecutor Mr Sheriff Marie Tambedou and wife of the
accused in the criminal case involving Yankuba Badjie and eight others. While
it blamed Mr Tambadou for unethical baviour it also condemned “the mischievous actions”
of Mrs Badjie.
Here,
following, is the full statement of the Gambia Bar Association:
PRESS
STATEMENT
The Gambia Bar Association like the general
public is gravely concerned with the statements made by one of its senior
members, Mr Sheriff Marie Tambedou, in a leaked audio conversation with one
Ndura Badjie.
While
some circumstances surrounding the meeting remain unclear, what is evident is
that Mr Tambadou was acting in his capacity as a prosecutor and Mrs Badjie as
spouse and possibly representative of one of the accused persons. In that circumstance, such a meeting ought
not to have happened.
The
ethics of the profession do not allow a prosecutor to discuss matters relating
to a plea bargain with a third party/or accused who is represented by a lawyer.
In this case, a meeting with the spouse of the accused was inappropriate.
As
such, The Gambia Bar Association does not support such impropriety and expects
that Mr Tambadou will clarify the matter and take the necessary corrective
measures so that he may move on from this unfortunate incident.
Similarly
the Gambia Bar Association condemns the mischievous actions of Mrs Badjie and
considers her pre-meditated recording of the meeting as an intentional act to
undermine the administration of Justice.
The
Honorable Attorney General and Minister
of Justice has to date conducted himself with honour, dignity and with due
regard to the principles of justice. The Gambia Bar Association re-states its
support for the Attorney General and hopes that he will rise above this
incident and continue to fulfill his mandate with distinction and
judiciousness.
The
Gambia Bar Association wishes to assure the Attorney General and Ministry of
Justice that the trust and confidence reposed in the private bar is not
misplaced and that its members will carry out their duty with diligence and
professionalism.
As
a Bar, we take pride that such a sensitive assignment of national interest has
been given to private lawyers of outstanding integrity and proven
accomplishments.
The
Gambia Bar Association shall continue to work with its members to ensure that
they live up to the ideals of the profession.
