Three more rebels from the southern Senegalese region of Casamance yesterday testified at the Special Criminal Court, as they continued their defence.
The fourth accused person, Zakeria Jatta, told the court that he is a separatist (rebel) fighting for the independence of Casamance, because Casamance had not got its freedom and independence.
He told the court that he knew all the accused persons, as they were all fighting for the same cause.
According to DW4, he ran into the
He said they fled into the Gambian village called Bessen to seek refuge in The Gambia, but he was arrested by Gambian soldiers, searched and 2,000,000 CFA was taken from him.
Under cross-examination, the witness added that he was a separatist for ten years, but was not given a gun, adding that there were guns available at the camp, and whoever wanted to could use a gun.
He said he was without a permit, on the day he was arrested.
Next to testify was the fifth accused person, Tijan Camara, who also told the court that he is a native of Janki village in Casamance and also a member of MFDC separatist movement.
He told the court that he fled into the
He added that they were later arrested, and taken to the National Intelligence Agency headquarters in
The sixth accused person, Mafugi Jarju, also told the court that he is a native of Ballinga village in Casamance and a separatist rebel.
He said they were attacked by fellow separatists, even though they all have the same cause - to gain their independence from
“I escaped to The Gambia, as a result of the fighting among us. I then ran to Bullock Police Station to seek refuge, but I was arrested by Gambian soldiers who searched me and took monies and my mobile phone. I was later taken to NIA,” Jarju told the court.
The trial continues today.
