By Kemo Kanyi
Gambian politician Essa Mbye Faal has criticised the government over its handling of the case involving Ousainou Bojang and his sister Amie Bojang, alleging the use of excessive coercion and questioning the basis of the prosecution.
Speaking in an interview on Coffee Time, Faal said the case should not have been pursued in court, arguing that the prosecution lacked credible evidence.
He said the Attorney General has a responsibility to assess the credibility of witnesses before bringing charges, and raised concerns about the reliability of the prosecution’s main witness.
“I think the government has started flexing its muscles. They are now using unwarranted force against people. Why prosecute a case without scientific evidence or real eyewitnesses? The main witness in the case is a known supporter of the government. This raises questions about credibility, especially with reports of a large sum of money allegedly offered for testimony,” Faal said.
He further questioned the basis for proceeding with the case, saying no credible prosecution should rely on weak or unverified evidence.
Referring to the re-arrest of the Bojang siblings after their acquittal and discharge, Faal said they could have remained in detention had public pressure not intervened. He added that recent protests were viewed by many Gambians as justified.
“Government was able to read the temperature and quickly backtracked,” he said.
The opposition figure also alleged that the government’s actions in the case suggest decision-making driven by individual discretion rather than legal principles.
