The
case involving 20 persons accused on two counts of unnatural offence and
conspiracy to commit a felony, yesterday failed to proceed at the Kanifing
Magistrates’ Court.
According to court sources, the case was adjourned in chambers before the arrival of the accused persons.
While reporters were waiting in the courtroom, Lawyer Badou S.M. Conteh came in and said the case was adjourned till 22 May 2012 and no reason(s) was advanced for the adjournment.
It would be recalled that on the last adjournment date, the Director of Public Prosecution, S.H. Bakum, announced before Magistrate Tabally of the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court that he was taking over the case.
He told the court he was applying for an adjournment for a fortnight so they would familiarize themselves with the case file.
He added that they did not want to rush up with the case and that they wanted adequate time.
He argued that the accused persons have been granted bail and further argued that the 2-week adjournment should be applied.
Defence counsel Lamin Camara rose and told the court he was not opposed to the case being adjourned but said the case should be expedited.
He stated that the two-week adjournment was long and urged the court to shorten it.
The accused persons have constitutional right to a fair and speedy trial, he said.
Lawyer Badou Conteh added his voice also to the issue saying he welcomed the idea of the DPP to adjourn the case so they could study the case file, more so since one of his clients would be travelling.
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