By Kebba Jeffang
The Banjul High Court on the 5thMay will decide on the bail submission for Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, party leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), and 18 other militants, who are jointly charged for staging a peaceful protest on the 16th April, 2016.
Mr. Hadi Saleh Barkum, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and team appeared for the state whilst Lawyer Antouman Gaye and other defence lawyers represented the accused persons before Justice O. Ottaba.
DPP informed the court that the matter is at the stage of adoption of briefs. However, he indicated that they are constrained because they were only served yesterday. He said they did not have adequate time to go over the document and for that reason; they are for a stand down.
“I am only asking for a 30 minutes stand down of the matter,” DPP asked from the court.
Mr. Gaye, in response, argued that regarding the application and service, they (the defence) were reliably informed that DPP was served on Tuesday and not yesterday (Wednesday).
“Therefore, he (the DPP) was supposed to have filed yesterday and not today,” he said.
At this juncture, the DPP received a file while the defence counsel was addressing the court. He then informed the court that there will be no need for a stand down as they will be filing on the very day. He therefore filed his brief.
“I urge your lordship with the greatest respect to grant all the prayers in the application. I further urge the court since the accused persons are 19 in number, let each of the 19 applications that are filed be granted bail,” submitted Mr. Gaye.
When responding, the DPP also pleaded to the court to deny the accused persons bail and that they will be relying on the prayers in their brief.
“I urge the court to look into the argument and I also urge that let the accused persons not be granted bail,” submitted DPP.
The trial judge therefore granted the adopted briefs of the applicant and the opposition from the prosecution. He therefore adjourned the case to 5th May, 2016 for ruling on the bail application for the 19 UDP members at 10am.