By Kebba Jeffang
The lead defence counsel representing the 25 people arrested on 14 April 2016 at Westfield has disclosed to this reporter 
yesterday, 26th May, of the transfer of the matter from the Banjul high court to Mansakonko high court in the Lower River Region.
The 25 accused persons are Fatoumatta Jawara, Nogoi Njie, the chairperson and vice chairperson of the United Democratic Party (UDP) women’s wing respectively, Fatou Camara, Lamin Sonko, Bubacarr Gitteh, Baba Ceesay, Modou Touray, Ebrima Janko Ceesay, Lamin Camara, Alhagie Jammeh, Lansana Beyai, Lamin Jatta, Lamin Marong, Ebrima Jadama, Pa Ousman Njie, Kekuta Yabo, Bubacarr Jah, Muhammed Jawneh, Bubacarr Touray, Saderr Secka, Alhagie Fatty, Modou Ngum, Kafu Bayo, Kalilou Saidykhan and Ebrima Jabang
“It’s true that the matter has been transferred to Mansakonko. It should have proceeded today but it did not,” confirmed Mr. Antouman A. Gaye.
The senior lawyer however added that he does not know yet as to when the case will come up again.
On whether there is any issue of territorial jurisdiction involve in this transfer, Mr. Gaye responded that the defence team of lawyers have challenged such decision at the court considering the issue of territorial jurisdiction, he said “yes but we are asked to raise that issue with the very court the matter is transferred to.”
The accused persons are facing seven counts of criminal charges including unlawful assembly, rioting, etc after staging a peaceful protest on the 14 April, 2016 at Westfield. They have all denied any wrong doing.
