There has been a twist in the trial of nine Senegalese from the southern region of Casamance, accused by the state for terrorism related   activities in The Gambia.

The   accused are facing trial on eight counts, but eight of them pleaded guilty to count six and seven, while the 8th accused person, who is the   only person charged on count seven, yesterday pleaded guilty before Magistrate B Y Camara of the Banjul Magistrates’ Court.  

Count six states that the accused obtained registration by false pretence, count seven for false declaration of passport and count eight, obtaining Gambian birth certificate by false pretence.

The increased in the number of charges from 4 to 8, and from 8 to 9 came after   the State Counsel, Marley Wood   applied for the substitution of the charge sheet.

Addressing the court yesterday, Magistrate Camara, said he will not deliver judgement on the counts that they   have already pleaded guilty, until the prosecution determine the rest of the accounts . He   reminded the accused persons that they are entitled to legal representation.

Magistrate Camara advised them to arrange with the State Counsel and the Prisons authorities to allow the Senegalese Ambassador to see them and negotiate   for a legal representation. He also emphasised that the accused are entitled to a bail, adding that the offences are bailable offences.

The accused persons lamented that since their arrest they have been kept in confinement. They said that they didn’t know any lawyer in The Gambia.

The alleged terrorists are Sidat Jarju, Ebrima Colly, Nuha Jammeh, Tamsir Badjie, Joseph Jatta, Ansumana Jarju, Lamin Sambou and Wuyeh Jarju.