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In Gamcotrap officials trial, defence files no-case submission

Jun 3, 2011, 1:53 PM | Article By: Bakary Samateh

The Banjul Magistrates' Court yesterday adopted a written brief on the no-case submission filed by the defence in the trial involving Dr. Isatou Touray, Executive Director of the Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (GAMCOTRAP), and Amie Bojang-Sissoho programme co-ordinator of the same organisation.

The two prominent women's rights activists are being tried before acting Principal Magistrate Alagba for allegedly stealing the sum of 30,000 Euros, being money provided by the YALOCAMBA SOLIDARIDAD of Spain to GAMCOTRAP.

It would be recalled that when the prosecution announced the closure of its case, the defence intimated to the court that it would file a no-case submission.

When the case resumed yesterday, defence counsel Ebrima Jah told the court that the defence was applying to adopt the written brief of the no-case submission.

He added that the brief was dated 10th May 2011 and filed on 12th May 2011 for adoption, further stating that the court should consider all the arguments contained in their brief.

Counsel Jah said that the prosecution had woefully failed to prove their case against the accused persons beyond all reasonable doubt, urging the court to acquit and discharge the accused persons.

In response, the prosecuting officer, Superintendent Sainey Joof, told the court that the prosecution had proved their case beyond all reasonable doubt, by calling eight (8) witnesses in support of their case.

He said the accused persons have a case to answer, and urged the court to call on them to enter into their defence.

The case was adjourned till 16th June 2011, for ruling.