By Mama A. Touray
The Gambia Bar Association has called for the repeal of draconian and undemocratic laws, and expeditious introduction of a new constitution.
Salieu Taal, President of Gambia Bar Association made the call during the opening of the Legal Year held at the High Court in Banjul on Monday.
“The Gambia Bar Association is calling for the expeditious introduction of a new constitution and the repeal of all the repugnant/undemocratic laws that don’t conform to international human rights norms and values as democracy,” he said.
“As a rule of law institution, the Bar is calling for the expeditious introduction of a new constitution and the repeal of all the repugnant/undemocratic laws that don’t conform to international human rights norms and values as democracy.
“We wish to reiterate the importance and critical need to overhaul the body of draconian and undemocratic laws conceived, designed and used to perpetuate a dictatorship for 22 years. It is disheartening to say the least that we still have the same constitution that was amended more than 50 times and the same draconian laws used to persecute the citizenry under a brutal dictatorship,” he added.
“It is important for the public and the media in particular to have a better understanding of the role of judges and refrain from casting aspersions on members of the bench especially on social media when they are unhappy with a decision or when a decision is deemed unpopular. We must shield the Judges from such unfair and unwarranted attacks to ensure the integrity of the bench is protected. As a Bar, we have a duty to defend the independence and integrity of the Judiciary. We shall continue to do so. Equally, we have a continuous duty to educate the public and create more awareness,” the president of the Bar stated.
He added further that “It is important to emphasize the importance of a strong and independent Bar in upholding the Rule of Law. A Strong and independent Bar exist to serve the public interest and further the administration of Justice. Our role does not just stop as Advocates in the court helping litigants uphold their rights and defend their interests, or drawing conveyances for our clients. The role of the Bar goes beyond providing professional legal services for our paid clients. As a Bar, we have a unique societal role to serve and protect the public interest. This is what makes the Bar unique. This also raises a lot of expectations on the part of citizens.”
