The defense counsel representing the Voice newspaper journalists is expected to file a no-case-to-answer submission in court. Lawyer Lamin Camara is defending Voice Editor Musa Sheriff and freelance journalist Sainey Marenah. The duo have been standing trial on publication of false news and conspiracy to commit misdemeanor at the Banjul Magistrates court.
This development follows prosecution’s announcement that it had wished to close its case after its last witness testified in court.
“Your worship the prosecution wishes to close its case,” Police Prosecutor Musa Camara told the court. The closure opens the door for the defence counsel to proceed. Lawyer Camara then hinted the court about his intention to file a no-case-to-answer submission.
Sheriff and Marenah have been accused of conspiring to publish the defection of 19 Green Youths from the ruling APRC to the opposition UDP on December 6, 2013. Such a publication, according to the charge sheet, was likely to cause fear and disturb public peace.
Both journalists maintained their innocence.
Meanwhile, the last and eighth prosecution witness Lamin Sanayang described himself as a resident of Tanji and a member of the Green Youths.
He said November 30th, 2013, met him at Kanifing Muncipal council (KMC) with 14 other green youths.
Under cross -examination by counsel Camara, the witness said all the 15 green youths are residents of Tanji. Mr. Sanyang said they spent three months at the KMC.
The witness said they did not have15 registered people at KMC and that he did not keep registry of their entry and exit.
The case resumes today Monday, September 1st, for the defense to file a no-case-to answer submission.
Ends