Alleged 21st March Coup Suspect in Court

Thursday, February 12, 2009
Hamadi Sowe one of the alleged suspects of the 21st March 2006 foiled coup yesterday appeared at the Banjul High Court before Justice Joseph Wowo.

However the case was later adjourned until 30th March 2009, for hearing. The suspect Hamadi Sowe was been represented by Lawyer Neneh Cham-Chongan, whilst the State was been represented by State Counsel Marley Wood.

It could be recalled that the accused Hamadi Sowe is charged with concealment of treason following the 21st March 2006 abortive coup, a charge he vehemently denied.

He was previously charged alongside with some military officers, but the military officers were later taken to a Court Martial where they were tried, convicted and sentenced for their involvement in the 21st March 2006 abortive coup.

The military officers, Cpt Bunja Darboe, Capt Wassa Camara, Capt Yahya Darboe, and 2nd Lt. Pharing Sanyang were sentenced to life imprisonment each. Capt Abdou Karim Jah, Lt Momodou Alieu Bah and Cpl Samba Bah were sentenced to 25 years imprisonment each whiles Captain Pierre John Mendy, L/ Cpl Babou Janha and Private Alhagie Nying were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment each.

The civilians who were tried by the High Court for their involvement in the 21st March 2006 foiled coup were Tamsir Jasseh, Alieu Jobe, Omar Faal Keita. These were convicted and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment each whiles Hon Demba Dem was acquitted and discharged.

Author: Modou Sanyang