The acting director of public prosecution, Emmanuel Fegbenle, yesterday informed the High Court presided over by Justice Avril Anin-Yeboah that the State had filed a request for discontinuation of the treason trial against Capt. Bunja Darboe, Capt. Yahya Darboe, Capt. Wassa Camara and 2nd Lt Pharing Sanyang.

The acting DPP further stated that the accused persons who had been jointly charged until the 28th of September 2006 when the Attorney General exercised his power for the case to be discontinued, will now be tried at a court martial.

Lawyer Borry Touray who represents Capt. Yahya Darboe, objected to the DPP’s application, saying that the DPP had not informed the court that a court martial had been set for the trial of the four accused persons. He said he had only been served with the process in the court, and therefore applied for the case to be adjourned. He further inferred that the Attorney General’s power was in conflict with the Constitution.

The presiding judge, in her ruling, stated that it was the State that brought the case to court, and it was the same that filed for a discontinuation. She also said the court cannot see any conflict of power, and subsequently discharged the accused persons.

Meanwhile the trial for concealment of treason involving other six military officers will also be brought briefly at the High Court today before the accused proceed to court martial at Yundum Barracks.

All the ten military officers allegedly involved in the 21st March abortive coup will now appear at court martial today when their trial is expected to commence with justice Agim as the advocate judge, to be assisted by a five-man military panel.

The trial of the civilians will continue at the High Court before Justice Avril Anin-Yeboah on 18th and 19th October 2006.