The third man accused of conspiring to overthrow the Gambia government was on Wednesday granted bail by a Federal Court Judge in Minnesota.
Alagie Barrow returned to the United States only to be arrested, detained and charged with conspiring to dislodge ‘a friendly nation’ from power. He has since been in Federal custody.
Barrow’s arrest and arraignment followed those of Papa Faal and Cherno Njie. Both men were also accused of conspiring or financing the failed December 30th attack on State House, which resulted to the killing of at least four attackers.
Faal who admitted guilt is also granted bail, although with some restrictions. He is waiting for sentencing. Njie appeared briefly in Baltimore and is expected to be transferred to Minnesota.
Mr. Barrow’s attorney defended his right to bail because he would not return to the Gambia for another attack. “Who is he going back to and for what? All his colleagues have been killed and their families including those of Barrow have been arrested,” Joe Friedberg told the court, arguing that his client is neither a flight risk, nor a threat to his community.
Barrow’s bail is not without some restrictions. For instance, he must not access the internet and stay away from anyone about the failed coup.
The former National Guard is expected to reunite with his family in Tennessee, move freely and secure a job after the probation officer clears him.
Ends
Thank you very much Kaironews…. Just as your habitual brilliant selfless services to the community tirelessly…. May you continue to report more of such heartening news & information…. The message is getting home to the tyrannical murderous oppressive kanilai predatory murderer…. They day for salvation will reckon SOONER than assumed…. Now its left to our collective efforts & selfless dedication collectively to finish the job off any time sooner… God help Gambia; Ameen.
This could be the Gambian online media’s “finest hour” But it must stay faithfully to the finest traditions of objective journalism…and display maturity. There are three main risk factors. As I suggested the United States could find itself in a very undesirable position.Likewise the Jammeh administration.The defendants also face a tangible risk.
Mr Barrows lawyer has “grasped the nettle” and set out the basis of his considerable and eloquant argument…in Mr Barrows defence.
He also claims that Mr Barrows family has been killed by the “Jammeh administration”
The Gambian governments claim that the “insurgents” were terrorists, appears not to be supported by the court. I cannot envisage any potential terrorist being granted bail.
Obviously the court does not think that Mr Barrow poses any risk to The United States or the community at large.
The risk for the US government is that its own record is brought into the argument. Another risk is that the powerful gay rights/human rights movement may see this as an opportunity to give its loud voice in support.
Mr Barrows lawyer argues that the US has waivered its “neutrality act”
when the term ” friendly government” is shown to be in question.
The risk to the Jammeh administration is an unwelcomed and in depth exposure of its dismal human rights and poor governance record.
The risk to the defendants is to be imprisoned and fined.
On balance, the defendants could claim a significant victory not anticipated at the outset of there plans.
In that they may be percieved as “honourable freedom fighters” and heros to the many…who hold a signficant and grievious revulsion of the style and manner of the oppressive Jammeh regime.
My compliements to Mr Yero Jallow and Professor Abdoylaye Saine.
…now over to the Banjul Daily Observer….let us see how and if they report these developments?
opinion