The
criminal trial involving the state against 14 United Democratic Party
supporters resumed on Monday, before Justice O. Ottaba of the High Court in
Banjul.
The
accused persons are Bakary Jammeh, Kaddy Samateh, Lele Bojang, Alkali Sanneh,
Yaya Fatty, Muhammed Singhateh, Kemo Touray, Bakary Marong, Buba Mass, Alagie
Saidykhan, Tombong Njie, Modou Sarr, Sheriff Suma and Lamin Dampha.
They
are being tried on a seven-count charge of conspiracy to commit felony,
unlawful assembly, riot, incitement of violence, interfering with vehicles,
holding procession without a permit and disobeying an order to disperse.
The
prosecution led by state counsel Lamin Jarju called the 4th prosecution
witness, Lamin Cham, a PIU officer, who testified and informed the court that
sometime on 5 May 2016, the accused persons were arrested.
He
further testified that the accused persons were obstructing traffic along the
Banjul-Serekunda highway.
He
added that officials of PIU were informed by the officer commanding, Supt Sowe,
that a large number of people were obstructing traffic along the Banjul-Serekunda
highway.
The
witness revealed that upon receiving the information, they prepared and wore
their riot equipment and left for the scene.
On
arrival at the ICE Man Junction, they met them and told them to leave and go on
their lawful businesses.
He
said they refused, and instruction was given by their commander to effect
arrest.
Some
were arrested and taken to the PIU headquarters for further police action.
He
further told the court that the traffic was congested, and the accused persons
were insulting and throwing stones at them.
At
this juncture, state counsel Jarju informed the court that he was done with the
witness.
Defence
Counsel Awa Sisay-Sabally during cross-examination told the witness that there
was no place like Banjul-Serekunda highway.
The
witness replied that he said along Banjul-Serekunda highway.
Hearing
continues on 24 November 2016, for cross-examination to continue.
