Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Court to Face Demand to Free GAMCOTRAP Officials


A team of four defense lawyers led by Amie Bensouda will make recommendation to the court to free the two Gamcotrap officials accused of stealing.  
Dr Isatou Touray, executive director and Amie Bojang Sissoho, programme coordinator of GAMCOTRAP are accused of stealing €30, 000.00 provided to them by YALOCAMBA SOLIDARIDAD, a Spain-based NGO.
Both pleaded innocence.
Eight witnesses have testified for the state. But the lawyers are unconvinced that any of them produced incriminating evidence to link their clients to allegations of the said theft. 
Lawyer Amie Bensouda on Wednesday made it known to the presiding magistrate that she will make a ‘No-Case-to-Answer’ submission.
It followed the announcement by the prosecuting police officer, Superintendent Sainey Joof that the state is satisfied with evidence against the accused persons.
Dr Touray and assistant were arrested in last year and detained at the police station until the following day when they appeared at the Banjul Magistrate Court.
Their first move to secure bail failed and they were further remanded for several days. They were subsequently granted bail on their second appearance.
The two prominent women’s rights activists have over the past two decades carved a niche for themselves, especially in the crusade against harmful traditional practices.

The defense lawyers said they will urge to court to acquit and discharge them, because in their view, the state has failed to produce substantial evidence to warrant the continuation of the trial.  
The trial resumes Friday May 13.

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