The trial of Logistic Manager of Bimex resumed at the Banjul Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Mr. Cosmail Hayek is accused of making false declaration to the immigration department service. He earlier denied the charge brought against him by the state.
Under cross-examination by the State Prosecutor Mam N Jobe, Mr. Hayek admitted knowing the Syrian and Lebanese nationals whom he made the application on their behalf for an entry clearance.
He said he knew them since 2007 when they lived in the same village with his father-in-law.“I didn’t stay with them, but I go there during vacations and according to my knowledge, the Syrian national have been staying in Lebanon since childhood and one of his parents is a Lebanese and the other one is a Syrian,” he told the court.
He adduced that the nationals, who intended to visit the Gambia, called him to make application for them. He said through the 3rd prosecution witness, Gabriel Joof, his application at the Immigration Department was approved the same day.
At that juncture, Mr. Hayek’s Defence Counsel Edward Singatey announced the closure of their defence. “We intend to file a written address but I think the prosecutor will file first so that we can reply,” the military-turned-lawyer told the court.
Before adjourning the case to July 28, 2014, Magistrate Hillary Abeke gave the prosecution 14 days to file a written address.
Ends