In Treason Trial ex-information minister opts to rely on prosecution case

Former Information minister Dr Amadou Scattred Janneh and three others standing trial on charges of treason and sedition have decide not to open their defence, and said they would rely on the case and evidence of the prosecution’s 14 witnesses.

This was announced by defence counsel Lamin S. Camara during yesterday’s hearing of the case at the Special Criminal Court, where the accused persons were expected to open their defence.

“My lord, my clients decided not to enter into their defence and, as a result, we are relying on the case of the prosecution,” counsel told the court.

The trial Judge then gave seven days to the prosecution to file their written address on or before 27th December 2011, and the defence was also given seven days to file their address on or before 3rd  January 2011.

Justice Emmanuel Nkea then extended the date of the adoption of briefs to the 9th January 2012.

State prosecutors accused Dr. Janneh on count one of treason, stating that he conspired with Ndey Tapha Sosseh, Mathew K. Jallow, Famara Demba, and others at large on 26th May 2011 in diverse places in The Gambia to overthrow the Government of The Gambia.

Dr Janneh, Ndey Tapha Sosseh, Mathew K. Jallow, and Famara Demba were also accused of preparing to overthrow the Government of the Gambia by unlawful means on 26th May 2011 in diverse places in the Gambia and elsewhere.

On count three, prosecutors further charged Dr. Janneh, Modou Keita, Ebrima Jallow, and Micheal C. Ucheh Thomas with seditious acts.

Prosecutors said the four accused persons and others at large conspired amongst themselves on 26th May 2011 at diverse places in The Gambia to print and distribute 100 T-shirts which carried seditious statements to wit; “Coalition for Change” the Gambia: End Dictatorship Now.”

Dr. Janneh, Modou Keita, Ebrima Jallow, Micheal C.Ucheh, and others at large are also accused to have on or about the 26th May 2011 at diverse places in The Gambia with intent to cause or bring into hatred, contempt or excite disaffection against the person of the president or the Government of The Gambia, printed and distributed 100 T-shirts carrying seditious statements to wit; “Coalition for Change” the Gambia: “End Dictatorship Now.”

Dr. Janneh was a former political science lecturer in the US, and at one time worked as the political and economic affairs officer at the US Embassy in Banjul.