The former lawmaker who has been charged for incitement of violence and sedition for reportedly ‘insulting’ Mandinkas has denied any wrongdoing.
Abdoulie Saine, a prominent member of Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction party, was dragged to Banjul Magistrate Court by the police on Monday.
Saine was accused of recoding an audio insulting Mandinkas. He denies culpability in both charges.
Saine appeared before the court while his lawyer was on another engagement in Brikama but the judge ruled that the absence of his lawyer without any written explanation to the court cannot excuse him from taking a plea.
The case was adjourned to September 20 as the police wait for a legal advice from the justice ministry on the case.
“The case file has been sent to justice ministry and they are expediting a review of the whole case,” said police prosecutor Amadou Mballow.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere outside the court was tense as Saine’s supporters engaged dozens other people in an angry exchange.
The military wing of the police in two pickup trucks were sent to the scene to calm the situation and prevent any sort of clashes.
The court has also ordered Saine and his family members not to make any statement that could be prejudicial to the case.
Several APRC supporters including former mayor Yankuba Colley came to the court to express solidarity with Saine.
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