By: Nyima Sillah
The Ministry of the Interior (MoI) said on Thursday that the Gambia Government has no political influence over Yankuba Darboe’s case.
“The Ministry of Interior (MoI) wishes to inform the general public that the Gambia Government remains committed to upholding justice, peace, and stability for the socio-economic development of the country,” stated a press release from the ministry issued to The Voice on Thursday.
“The public is encouraged to engage in socio-economic activities that contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability in the country,” the release stressed.
The Interior Ministry expressed concern over information circulating on social media, regarding a group of people planning to protest during yesterday’s court proceedings involving Yankuba Darboe, who is being tried on charges of sedition and prohibition of conduct conducive to the breach of the peace.
“This case was scheduled for a ruling on the ‘no case to answer’ submission filed by the defense before Magistrate Thomasi at the Banjul Magistrate’s Court,” explained the despatch.
“On Thursday, August 17, 2023, a ruling was delivered in favor of the prosecution, stating that the defense did not meet the requirements for a successful ‘no case to answer’ submission. The defense was urged to present their case on the next adjourned date, August 31, 2023. On that day, the defense was unable to proceed, citing Counsel LS Camara’s need to familiarize himself with the case, as his junior had been handling it,” it added.
MOI meanwhile urged the public to respect the laws of the country and allow the legal process to proceed peacefully and called on citizens to desist from unlawful protest.