Gambian opposition member charged with sedition, bail set at GMD 1 million

Omar Touray, Opposition party politician 

Omar Touray of Gunjur has been charged with sedition intent by the police at the Brikama Magistrate Court this afternoon.

The police is alleging that Mr. Omar Touray, on the 1st of June this year, in Gunjur, called "President Barrow a hypocrite and a liar." The prosecutors contend that he did so knowing that such utterances were going to cause contempt and incitement of violence.

According to reports, Mr. Touray, who is a member of former dictator Jammeh's APRC party, walked into the courtroom "in chains" which was ordered removed by Magistrate Omar Cham before being brought to the dock and the charges read to him.

The prosecutors objected to the defendant being granted bail and wanted him remanded in jail while their they proceed with their investigations which, they say, was at a preliminary stage.

Mr. Touray's lawyer, Lamin Darboe, argued that his client was held without charge for over 72 in contravention of the law.  He also said that the penalty for the offence of sedition intent is a fine of D50,000 with maximum of D250,000 or one year imprisonment or both a fine and prison term.  The defendant's lawyer also pressed the fact that the offence is bailable,

Finally, bail was set at D1 million by Magistrate Omar Cham with two sureties who must also surrender their passports and national identifications cards.  The next court appearance has not been set.

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