The Special Criminal Court in Banjul was yesterday told by lawyer, L.S. Camara that former information minister, Dr. Amadou Scatred Janneh, is made to endure difficult conditions in remand custody.
The defence counsel told the high court judge, Justice Nkea that his client is constantly denied his right to food and visitors, and placed in solitary confinement at the Old Jeshwang Prison.
“My lord, I have personally been to the cell where my client is detained, and the condition at the prison cell is unbearable,” he said.
Counsel added that his client’s cell is littered, and that he virtually stands all the time. He stated that as a remanded prisoner, Dr. Janneh should not be held in solitary confinement, but in the remand wing of the prison.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, M. Abdullahi, rose to challenge the defence counsel’s assertions, and told the court that he was not aware of the situation, which he described as untrue.
Subsequently, Justice Nkea made an order directing the Director General of Prisons to allow Dr Janneh, like any other remand prisoner, access to his family members and food during normal prisons visiting hours, in keeping with the prisons rules and regulations.
He said henceforth the court’s order is to be carried out by the prison authorities.
It would be recalled that Justice Nkea made a similar order during a previous sitting, when Dr. Janneh’s poor detention conditions were raised by lawyer BS Touray.
Borry Touray, then holding brief for defence counsel L.S. Camara, told the court that he was informed by Dr. Janneh that his prison cell is in a poor condition and is littered.
Hearing continues today.
