Justice Minister Jallow, while tabling the bills, highlighted that the first bill – the Special Accountability Mechanism Truth Reconciliation Reparation Commission (TRRC) Bill would create a framework for prosecuting serious human rights violations from 1994 to 2017.
Additionally, it would establish a Special Prosecutor's office, a Special Tribunal, and a Special Criminal Division of the High Court. The mechanism would use Gambian and non-Gambian judges, prosecutors, experts, and staff, with priority given to Gambians.
Furthermore, Minister Jallow emphasised that the Special Prosecution’s Office Bill is a proposal for a law that aimed to create an independent and self-governing Special Prosecutor's Office.
“The Special Prosecutor's Office will be responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and adjudicating cases of serious human rights violations and international crimes, as well as domestic crimes related to the acts and omissions described in the report of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC).” The Justice Minister highlighted.
Attorney General Jallow stated that the timeframe for these cases is between July 1994 and January 2017 and the proposed law also includes provisions for the protection of witnesses, victims, and whistle-blowers.
“Its main goal is to promote and encourage a national culture of accountability and respect for human rights while enforcing The Gambia's responsibilities under national and international law,” Justice Minister concluded.
