Sunday, January 23, 2011

Moses Richards Case in Limbo

The state was expected to proceed with the matter of Moses Richards or withdraw the charges of false information and sedition charges  against him last Monday but only ended up to be adjourned by then  Magistrate Emmanuel Nkea of the Banjul Magistrate’s Court who is now promoted as a judge . 
According to the deputy director of Special Litigation Simon Abi, the state is yet to receive directives whether to drop the charges or proceed with the matter.
Richards, a former High Court Judge, now private lawyer, is facing two criminal charges – giving false information and sedition - at Banjul Magistrates’ Court.
He is alleged to have lied to the Sheriff of The Gambia that the president of the republic ordered a stay of execution of a writ of possession in a civil suit; thus gave false information to a public servant and brought contempt into the person of the president of the republic.
“There is nothing wrong with the Attorney General’s Chambers in withdrawing the charges,” Surahata Janneh said, adding that it is unfair to the Bar for the state to give justification.  We are here with absolute dignity,” he said.
The state counsel who seemed surprised by the defense opposing his application said there is no reason for the defense to refute the application, hence the Bar is demanding for the charges to be dropped.
The presiding magistrate, however, adjourned the case till January 31 for the state to put its house in order.
Richards however denied any wrong doing.
Trial continues on Monday

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