Treason Convict Lebanese Gambian’s Whereabouts Remain Mystery, Despite Appeal Set for Judgement

Justice Wowo chaired panel of three judges at The  Gambia’s appeal court in Banjul is set to deliver judgement on Yusuf Ezzedeen’s appeal against his conviction for treason.
This development came after the chief state prosecutor and Yusuf’s lawyer, Hawa Sisay Sabally adopted their briefs at the Court of Appeal yesterday in Banjul.
The High Court in Banjul on July 15, 2010 sentenced the Lebanese-born Gambian to death, alongside the former chief of defence staff, Lt Gen. Lang Tombong Tamba and six others after they were found guilty on attempting to overthrow the government of President Yahya Jammeh.
Except Yusuf, the rest of the convicts, amongst them top security officers, a businessman, and a Gambian diplomat jointly appealed against the High Court’s decision, but the Court of Appeal upheld their conviction. They have now advanced their appeal at the country’s highest court, Supreme Court of The Gambia.   
However, Yusuf Ezzedeen, a businessman has never appeared at the Court of Appeal since he launched his appeal. His whereabouts is treated as a closely guarded secret. Though unconfirmed reports suggested that the tycoon has fled to Lebanon after paying for his freedom, prison authorities
refused to comment on the issue nor Yusuf’s lawyer.