By Louise Jobe
The case between the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and seven individuals charged with assaulting police officers while performing their duties, has commenced before Magistrate T. Bayo of the Bundung Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 2 April 2024.
When the case was called, Anti-Crime Unit prosecutor ASP O. Bob and 1st Class Corr appeared for the IGP while the seven accused persons were unrepresented.
The accused persons include Demose Jarju, Emmanuel Jatta, Charles K. Mendy, Meuto Mendy, Muhammed Sanyang, Zang Mendy, and Kaddy Malack.
Upon arraignment, all the accused persons pleaded not guilty to all the three count charges leveled against them.
If readers could recall, the suspects were arrested in Mariama Kunda for pelting stones at officers of the Aunti Crime Unit (ACU) who were on a rescue mission at the Alkalo’s compound.
The accused persond face three counts of prohibition of conduct conducive to breach of peace, in violation of Section 9 of the Public Order Act, assaulting Police Officers in the execution of their duties as per Section 230 (b) of the Criminal Code, and assault causing actual bodily harm, under Section 228 of the Criminal Code.
Police prosecutor ASP O. Bob in her submission objected to bail being granted to the accused persons citing that the Police were there to protect lives and property and if they are being attacked and assaulted in due execution of their duties, no one is safe in te country. She therefore urged the court to remand the accused person in custody.
On the other hand, Counsel P.K. Mendy, who appeared for the accused persons, pleaded to the court to grant them bail since the offences they are charged with are bailable.
After carefully listening to the deliberation of the Police Prosecutor, Magistrate T. Bayo adjourned the case to 15 day of April 2024, for ruling, and ordered that the accused persons be remanded in custody.
