Gambia:Tamsir Jasseh Disowns Statement
May 04,2007 00:00
by
Anna
In the on-going trial of four civilians charged with treason for supposed involvement in last year’s March 21st alleged coup attempt against the government of President Yahya Jammeh, one of the accused persons, former Director of Immigration and former Deputy Inspector General of Police , Mr. Tamsirr Jasseh on Wednesday 2nd May told the High Court that he had been subjected to beatings and torture to make his cautionary statement. The trial at the Banjul High Court presided over by Justice Anin, was on that day trying to determine if the accused person’s cautionary statement was obtained voluntarily. Mr. Jasseh was arrested on the 24th March 2006, days after the alleged coup. He is facing the charges in a separate civilian trial together with Alieu Jobe, former Accountant General, Mr. Demm a former member of the National Assembly and one Mr. Faal, who is said to have given spiritual blessing to the suspected plotters. Testifying in the trial-within-a-trial Mr. Jasseh, who holds an American passport, said that out of fear of his life, he agreed to copy a text he did not actually write and signed it as demanded by the detaining authorities. He further informed the court that he was arrested at his residence in Kotu, and that moments before his arrest, he heard loud knocks on his gate and, even before the gate was opened, armed soldiers started jumping into the compound amidst while guns shots into the air. He said one soldier armed with AK47 identified himself as Tumbul Tamba. Mr. Jasseh also told the court that it was after his Nigerian watchman was badly beaten up by the soldiers, that Captain Tumbul Tamba informed him that he was under arrest. He added that he was then taken away to the maximum security wing of Mile Two Central prisons where he was put in a cell. He also claimed that he was forced to name Lawyer Mariam Denton anf former Speaker of the National Mustapha Dibba as accomplices in the alleged plot. Mr. Jasseh denied that any independent witness, as required by Gambian law. Was present during the interrogations. The trial is to continue next week.