PROTESTERS DEMAND RELEASE OF OUSAINOU BOJANG AS STATE SEEKS STAY OF EXECUTION
A protest erupted last evening at Westfield as angry youths and concerned citizens gathered to demonstrate against the continuous detention of Ousainou Bojang and his sister Amie. The protesters demanded the police to respect the decision of the court and refrain from abusing power against the Bojang siblings. The duo was rearrested soon after been released from prison by a court which acquitted them on charges of killing two police officers in September 2023.
Following the judgment, the court granted both accused persons bail in the sum of D50,000 each after the State expressed interest to appeal.
Yesterday, just as the press and public gathered for the release of Ousainou at the prison gate, news came that the State has swiftly responded with the Attorney General’s Chambers filling an ex-parte motion seeking to stay the execution of the bail order and to have the accused persons remanded at the Mile 2 Central Prison pending the outcome of an appeal.
In its motion, the State argued that it was dissatisfied with the High Court’s judgment and had already filed a notice of appeal before the Court of Appeal.
An affidavit sworn by Sisawo Cham, a pupil counsel at the Ministry of Justice, the State argued the gravity of the offences and raised concerns about the risk of flight.
According to the affidavit, Ousainou Bojang had previously fled The Gambia to Joulouloune, Senegal, less than 24 hours after the 2023 shooting incident. It further alleged that Amie Bojang facilitated his escape by arranging transport to the border.
The State argued that the existing bail conditions were insufficient to guarantee the accused’s bail, warning that they could abscond and undermine the appeal process. It also cited public interest and national security concerns, insisting that individuals accused of such serious crimes should remain in custody until all legal proceedings are concluded. It is not clear whether the State got its prayers before any judge. A reliable source tipped The Standard that the motion would be treated today, Wednesday before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh.”Until otherwise, the decision of the High Court has not been put aside and its should stand. If Ousainou and Amie had fulfilled the bail condition they should have been released,” a lawyer told The Standard.
However the police promptly rearrested the duo in front of the prison gate, amid a protest by onlookers and family members.
They chanted, “Justice for Ousainou.”
Almost immediately, protest group GALA called for a protest at Westfield where a large crowd gathered calling for the release of the Bojang siblings. The protesters including at least one member of the National Assembly, called on to state to respect the decision of a court of law.
Police later responded by throwing tear gas to disperse the protesters.
Source: The Standard
