Gambian police have issued a statement on Tuesday warning people not to attend the sedition trial of Abdoulie Saine’s with political colours, T-shirts and logos.
A statement issued by the Inspector General of Police, Mamour Jobe, said the trial has nothing to do with politics and must not be politicized.
Saine, a former lawmaker for Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction party, has been charged with incitement of violence and sedition for reportedly insulting Mandinkas.
Saine, due to appear in court on September 20, has denied any wrongdoing.
Below is the statement from the police:
It has come to the notice of the office of the Inspector General of Police that some political party militants are planning to gather at the court premises in Banjul on Thursday the 20th of September 2018 with intent to cause disruptions to proceedings in the case involving former NAM Abdoulie Saine.
The office of the IGP wishes bring to the attention of the general public that this case is not in any way connected to politics nor is it influence or motivated by politics. It is purely a criminal proceeding in court, hence a matter for the court to resolve according to the laws of the Gambia, with a view to maintain peaceful and harmonious co-existence among people of the Gambia.
Therefore, the public, party militants and sympathizers are strictly warned to stay away from the court premises especially those in party colours, T shirts, and logos. In this regard the public is hereby informed that strict security measures will be put in place to ensure the court carries out it sittings without disturbances or disruptions.
Furthermore, Persons with such intentions are seriously warned to desist from acting in such manner as to cause breach of the peace during court proceedings.
The cooperation of the general public is highly solicited.
ASP Lamin Njie.
Police PRO
For: Inspector General of Police