July 29, 2009
A Banjul High Court on July 28, 2009 exonerated one of
the seven Gambian journalists being tried for allegedly defaming President Yahya
Jammeh.
Abubacarr Saidykhan, a reporter of the independent Foroyaa
newspaper was acquitted and discharged following an application filed to that
effect by one of the defence counsels Lamin Camara.
Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)’s sources reported
that another application for the defence counsel for the court to stay
proceedings pending an outcome of a request at an Appeal Court, was however
overruled by Justice Emmanuel Fagbenle, who replaced Justice Joseph
Wowo.
The defence had asked the appeal court to replace
Justice Wowo because they could not trust his neutrality. The appeal court is
expected to give its ruling July 29.
Saidykhan was arrested together with Sam Sarr, manging
editor of the Foroyaa on June 15, According to the court Saidykhan did
no wrong when he attempted photographing the arrest of Sarr, his editor.
The remaining six, Ebrima Sawaneh, Pap Saine, Sarata
Jabi-Dibba, Pa Modou Faal, , Sam Sarr and Bai Emil Touray have since opened
their defence.
Sitting continues on July 29.
Prof. Kwame Karikari
Executive Director
MFWA
Accra, Ghana
Tel 233-21
242470
Fax 233 -21 221084
Email:
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Website: www.mediafound.org
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