The defence counsel, Lamin Camara, in the trial of two journalists has told the Banjul magistrates’ court that he intends to file a no-case-to-answer submission on behalf of his clients.
The journalists are standing trial accused of publication of false news and conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor.
This development followed the prosecution’s announcement that it has closed its case after calling the last witness.
Testifying before magistrate Muhammed Krubally, the prosecution’s last witness, Lamin Sanyang, told the court that he lives in Tanji and is a member of the Green Youths.
He recalled that on 30 November 2013 he was at the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) grounds with 14 other Green Youths. Under cross-examination by Lamin Camara, the witness said all the 15 Green Youths are resident in Tanji, adding that they spent three months at the KMC.
He said he did not keep any record of their movements, when counsel asked whether they kept such a register.
Hearing continues today for the defence counsel to make the no-case submission.
Sainey Marenah, a freelance journalist, and Musa Sheriff, editor-in-chief of The Voice newspaper, stand accused of conspiring and publishing in the newspaper that “19 Green Youths joined the opposition UDP on 6 December 2013”, knowing that the said publication was false, and likely to cause fear in the public or disturb the public peace.
