The trial of the alleged MFDC rebels is expected to continue today before Magistrate B.Y. Camara of the Banjul Magistrates’ Court.

The nine suspected rebels from the southern Senegalese region of Casamance are standing trial in The Gambia on eight counts of criminal offences allegedly committed in The Gambia.

The offence, conspiracy to commit felony, include intent to carry out acts of terrorism against a neighbouring state, Senegal; collecting photographs or documents of a confidential nature concerning security installations in The Gambia; receiving stolen properties namely military equipment; unlawful possession of Gambian Identity card; unlawfully obtaining Gambian birth certificates; false declaration to acquire Gambian passport, transfer of fire arms and unlawful entry into the country.

It could be recalled that at the last sitting of the case the court began hearing a trial within a trial (Voire Dire) on the cautionary statements of the 1st and 2nd accused, Sidat Jarju and Ebrima Colley respectively. on the premise that the said statements were obtained under duress, as claimed by the two accused persons.