Ex-GRTS Reporter Given One, Instead of 2 Weeks to Prepapre Defence

A former reporter of the  state-owned Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) requested  two weeks from court, but he was allowed only one week to put up his  defence against a charge of false information.
Dodou Sanneh had his services terminated by the state broadcaster in 2006 for ‘bias reportage’ whilst assigned to cover a mass political rally by the main opposition-United Democratic Party (UDP).
However, Journalist Sanneh said his dismissal was wrongful. His prosecution came after he petitioned his former employer to the president’s office.
Three state witnesses, including the director general of GRTS, Mr Momodou Sanyang, senior programme manager television services, Mr Kebba Dibba and a police officer testified against journalist Sanneh.
Sanneh was scheduled to enter his  defence on Monday, but could not. He urged the court to adjourn the case for two weeks inorder to sort some matters out with his defense counsel.
The presiding magistrate at Banjul  said he could grant the journalist only one week to prepare his defence.
 “I can only adjourn the case for one week and on the next scheduled date, if your lawyer is not here, we will proceed,” magistrate Ma Nyima instructed.