Magistrate Hillary Abeke of Banjul has hinted the possibility of striking out the trial of journalists Musa Sheriff, Editor of Voice Newspaper and freelance journalist Sainey Marenah.
The duo had been standing trial since January this year. But the conspicuous absence of the prosecutor in court last week infuriated the presiding Magistrate. Also missing during the June 18 court sitting was the defence counsel. Since the case cannot in the absence of state prosecutor and defence, Magistrate Abeke decided to adjourn the trial to July 7.
Sheriff and Marenah have been in the dock for publishing the defection of 19 Green youth of ruling Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction to the opposition United Democratic Party. The journalists throughput maintained their innocence of the conspiracy to commit a felony and publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm to the public.
Ends