High Court Judge Ebrima Jaiteh on Monday delivered a legal blow to former Junta Minister by turning down his application for bail. Yankuba Touray’s bail application was filed by lawyer Abdoulie Sissoho.
In dismissing the bail application, Justice Jaiteh ruled that murder charges are punishable with death or life in prison is a non-bailable offence.
Following his refusal to testify at the ongoing Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission, former Local Government Minister under Jammeh regime was slapped with murder charge. Led by the Gambia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Aboubacarr Tambadou, the prosecution told the court that the bill of indictment will be amended with 10 more additional charges.
As a long-running legal battle is gradually taking shape, Yankuba Touray is dealt another blow.
Justice Jaiteh ruled that the High Court has jurisdiction to hear murder cases while indicating that the defense argument is not sufficient to make a referral to the Supreme Court.
“The right to fair trial is applicable to both parties,” Tambadou told the court while requesting more time for the prosecution to prepare its case.
The hearing was subsequently adjourned till October 15 for continuation.
Meanwhile, hundreds of supporters of the former ruling party stormed the High Court in an attempt to show solidarity with Yankuba Touray. But a strong security presence prevented the situation from deteriorating into full blown chaos.
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