Magistrates’
courts across the length and breadth of the country have been sitting, contrary
to speculation that these courts have not been sitting as a result of the
Gambia Bar Association’s warning to its members and the Judiciary staff to
boycott the courts.
When
this reporter visited Banjul, Brikama, and Kanifing magistrates courts and the
Industrial Tribunal yesterday, he found out that these courts were fully
operational, but without the usual presence of private legal practitioners in
the courtrooms.
At
the Brikama Magistrates’ Court, the court premises were filled with people and
all the magistrates were busy adjudicating cases principally criminal matters.
“We
are hearing cases and we adjourn cases involving lawyers. We are civil servants
and not politicians and, most especially, we are working for Gambian people,” a
court official said.
“Some
lawyers use to come, but they don’t attend court sittings; but civil and
criminal cases are heard without lawyers,” the official added.
At
the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court and the Industrial Tribunal, the court was in
session as the premises was also filled with people, but the usual smartly
dressed private legal practitioners were absent.
At
the Banjul Magistrates’ Court, an official said the courts are sitting, except
in matters where lawyers are involved.
At
the High Courts’ complex in Banjul, this reporter observed that Justice Amina
Saho-Ceesay, the vacation judge, was present and in her chambers.
