As Saine’s Trial Goes On Two-Week Hiatus, FPJND Warns Against Politisation Of The Case

By Abdoulie John

The trial of ex-Banjul Central MP for the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) resumed Wednesday as the prosecution filed an application for the case to be adjourned for two weeks. The high-ranking member of the former ruling party appeared in Banjul Magistrates’ Court charged with inciting violence and seditious intention.

The landmark case on hate speech begun after lead Police Prosecutor Mballow told the court that the case file has still not been sent back to their office. He then added that he communicated with the Office of the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) and was told that the case file is still under review.

Early this month, APRC’s Abdoulie Saine released via Whatsapp an audo targetting the Mandinka ethnic majority group, describing with derogatory remarks. He pleaded not guilty to charges leveled against him.

Lawyer Moses Richards, who is standing for the accused person, raised no objection to the application for adjournment filed by Police prosecutors.

He described the prosecution as being circumspect in sending the file for vetting.

Lawyer Richards made it clear that his client wants to clear his name, and expressed hope that ‘things will be different’ when the case will resume in two-week time.

Presiding Magistrate Tracy Davies ruled in favour of the prosecution and adjourned the case till October 10, 2018.

popAs the trial continues to generate headlines, the Foundation for Peace, Justice and National Development (FPJND) warned against the politisation of the case.

“We want make it clear that Gambia belongs to all of us. FPJND stands for peace justice and equal rights for all concerned Gambians,” FPJND Secretary General Saidou Bayo told this medium in an exclusive interview.

FPJND has been on the frontline since the matter was taken to court, pushing ahead with a message urging Gambians to desist from trafficking tribal bigotry and hate speech.

Bayo said the case is not a political case, and should not therefore be politicized.

“We all have to stand together and put a halt to such a tribal bigotry,” he reiterated. “No tribe is being tried, but Abdoulie Saine who made utterance that prompted the Police to press charges against him.”

Ends

Comments are closed.