Mr Lamin R. Darboe, who contested the last general elections on the ticket of the main opposition United Democratic Party, was apparently an unimpressed man on Thursday when his case suffered yet another setback.

On Thursday, Mr Darboe, who’s among a number of opposition activists and sympathizers charged with various offences, was accompanied to the Brikama Magistrates’ Court by his co-accused persons and some sympathisers. However, they were understandably disappointed when the case was once again adjourned due to the absence of the magistrate from court. The magistrate was said to have been indisposed, attending a meeting in Banjul.

It will be recalled that Lamin R. Darboe, Buba Darboe, Jerreh Fatty, Maimuna Jobarteh and Doudou Casa Jaata were rounded up by the police in The Gambia shortly after the results were announced in the 2006 by-elections in Kombo East. They were then arraigned before a magistrates’ court in Western Region and charged with assault and battery but since they were formally charged over twelve months ago, nothing spectacular has so far happened in their trial.