Court says Taranga FM MD’s trial will proceed in his absence

Justice Eunice O. Dada of the Banjul High Court has ruled in favour of the prosecution that the sedition and publication of false news trial of Abdoulie Ceesay, the Managing Director of Taranga FM Radio Station, will proceed in his absence.

In her ruling, Justice Dada said the absent accused person was charged with seven counts of sedition and publication of false news, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The principal prisons officer told the court the accused person complained of ill-health and was taken to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, where he escaped while receiving treatment.

Justice Dada said the DPP argued that the case could proceed in the absence of the accused persons; that the case proceeds until it is at the address stage.

Justice Dada in her ruling held that the prosecution’s written address was adopted, and the accused person’s written address was also deemed filed.

Subsequently, she adjourned the case until 20 July 2016, for judgment.