By Ndey Sowe
The Ministry of Justice has formally announced that Mr. Melville Robertson Roberts faces arrest and prosecution for a series of serious offences, including crimes of sexual violence and assault, should he return to The Gambia.
This was detailed in a dispatch signed by Solicitor General and Legal Secretary, Mr. Hussein Thomasi.
According to the statement, a comprehensive case file has been compiled against Mr. Roberts following multiple complaints, including allegations of rape and indecent assault reported by several female complainants. The Gambia Police Force, after concluding its investigations, forwarded the case file to the Ministry of Justice for further action.
The Ministry also addressed recent social media posts by Mr. Roberts, in which he claimed unfair treatment and persecution. Solicitor General Thomasi clarified that Mr. Roberts is currently considered a fugitive, residing in London, and has not returned to The Gambia since the complaints were filed.
“He cannot, therefore, expect his file to be processed and closed in his absence,” Thomasi stated.
The Ministry emphasized its dedication to upholding the rule of law and dismissed attempts to politicize or personalize its mandate.
“Our commitment is to ensure that all allegations of serious crime, particularly those involving violence against women, are investigated and prosecuted with diligence, fairness, and respect for due process,” the statement read.
Reiterating its stance, the Ministry asserted that it does not litigate cases through the media and remains focused on pursuing justice through proper legal channels, undeterred by public misrepresentations or personal attacks on Attorney General Dawda A. Jallow.
