Defense Opts to Address Court

The state prosecutors on Tuesday  announced before the presiding judge, Justice Anin-Yehoah, that the state had rested their case with no more witnesses than the 12 witnesses they had called in support of their case.

The same sitting heard the continuation of the testimony of the state’s last witness, detective Boto Keita, who confirmed under cross-examination by defense counsel Lawyer Lamin Camara that Mustapha Lowe had appeared before the investigating panel. He also confirmed that Mustapha Lowe was charged but later had his charge dropped. He stated that Mustapha Lowe told the panel what he knew about the 21 March foiled coup and made a statement to that effect. He further adduced that the investigation contained the summary of evidence of Mustapha Lowe.

As to whether he was present when Mustapha Lowe appeared before the investigating panel, detective Keita replied in the affirmative. Detective Keita added that Mustapha Lowe also told the investigating panel that Tamsir Jasseh had transported Col. Ndure Cham from Farato to Darsilima, adding that Darsilima is in The Gambia.

Meanwhile the defence team yesterday told the court that they would prefer to address the court rather than putting forward any evidence or putting their client in the witness box.

Following this development presiding Judge Anin-Yeboah ordered that the prosecution file in their written address on or before the 30th July 2007, whilst the defence team should provide theirs on or before August 3rd 2007.

The case is now scheduled to resume on 6th August 2007 for adoption of both addresses.