Prosecution closes case in right activists’ trial

Mrs Sissoho & Dr. Touray

On April 20, 2011, the prosecution closed its case in the trial against women rights activists, Dr. Isatou Touray and Mrs. Amie Bojang Sissoho at the Banjul Magistrate Court presided by Magistrate Alagbe Taiwo Ade.

The Executive Director and Programme Manager of Gambia Committee Against Harmful Traditional Practices (GAMCOTRAP) are standing trial on one count of theft. A charge they have denied.

On Wednesday, the Prosecutor, Superintendent Sainey Joof told court that the prosecution has closed its case after calling eight witnesses.

Defence Counsel Amie Bensouda noted that they cannot proceed with the case, but they intend to file a no-case-to-answer submission before the next adjourned date, for the court to adopt the motion on that day.

The trial continues on May 13, 2011. The accused in previous court sittings were denied bail on two occasions, during which time they spend a number of days in detention at the country’s maximum security wing, the Mile II Central Prison before being granted bail.

The prosecution called eight witnesses including four female circumcisers from Upper River and Central River Regions, a security officer and Ms. Sanchez, the Director of Yolocamba Solidaridad, a Madrid-base Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO.