Witness cross-examined in Dr Janneh & co trial

The seventh prosecution witness was yesterday cross-examined by the defence counsel in the ongoing treason and sedition trial involving former Information Minister Dr Amadou Scattred Janneh and three others at the Special Criminal Court in Banjul.

Under cross-examination, PW7 Ousman Thorpe told the court that he is a police officer who is serving his fourth year with the police force, adding that before he joined the police force he had graduated from grade 12, with a WASSCE certificate.

He said he later proceeded to Icobard, where he did his HND in human resources management.

The witness adduced that he did not obtain any specific qualification in English language, but that he had a specific qualification in IT, both in The Gambia and abroad.

Officer Thorpe said that exhibit D3 was printed at the Brusubi Police Station with a computer from the Gambia Police Force.

He added that page 45 of exhibit D3 did not bear the name of the 1st accused, but the message contained in it was sent by the 1st accused, because the message emanated from the account of the CCG.

He said that part of the message stated that “Jammeh must go” and “freedom now”, adding that the 1st accused was responsible for the wording violent demonstration against the Government of The Gambia.

Still under cross-examination, PW7 stated that the messages from the computer are from the 1st accused, because he is the coordinator of the CCG, adding that Africa Liberation Day was 25 May, as well as Labour Day.

“I cannot remember when the accused was arrested, because I was not part of the arresting team,” he told the court.

“In my investigation, I found that the logo on the T-shirts is offensive and the additional words printed by the 1st accused at  the back of the T-shirt “Freedom” is connected to the wording on the front side of the T-shirt,” he further stated.

The witness added that as regards the wording on the T-shirt, “The Gambia” refers to the government of the Gambia and the words “End to dictatorship now” refers to the President of The Gambia.

The case continues today.