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Gambia: Tabara's Lawyer Withdraws From Case

Modou Musa Drammeh, the counsel for Tabara Samba, who is standing trial for allegedly murdering her husband by pouring hot oil on him, has announced his withdrawal from the case at the Kanifing Magistrate Court on 9th May 2007. He made this pronouncement before Magistrate Pa Harry Jammeh.

Prior to his withdrawal from the case, counsel Drammeh told the court that he wanted to say something in camera. He called for the matter to be heard in chambers. Magistrate Jammeh insisted that the court is an open court and that the public is very interested in knowing what is going on during the proceedings.

The prosecutor, Burama Dibba and the defence counsel had a short discussion in court with the Magistrate, but out of public hearing. Mr. Drammeh then announced that he is applying to withdraw from the case. The state counsel did not object to that. He said that it is in the interest of justice that he is applying for an adjournment to enable the accused to procure a lawyer.

Magistrate Jammeh upheld the counsel's withdrawal and adjourned the case to 23rd May. Magistrate Jammeh told the accused that she is facing a capital offence, but that the law permits her to have another lawyer. He added that if the relatives of the accused cannot provide her with a representative, then the state can do so. He said that he does not want any time wasting in the proceedings because of the public interest in the matter.