.jpg)
It was a sad day in court today, as a Gambian court jailed UDP’S Femi Peters for one year imprisonment with hard labor. Mr. Peter was also slammed with a D10,000 dalasi fine by the court. He is currently serving his jail term at Mile Two.
In court today, one could notice signs of shock, hopelessness, and outrage in the faces of the UDP supporters who showed up to show their solidarity with the embattled politician. They could be seen shedding tears amidst the declaration of the court verdict.
Peters was accused of holding a public assembly without approval from the authorities. Details of the court proceedings would be published later. Our reporter is piecing the story together.
The court verdict marks the latest post election jailing of Gambia’s leading opposition leader Femi Peters. The Gambia is going to the polls in 2011, but the opposition said there is no level playing field. They accused incumbent President Yahya Jammeh of using the security forces to silence its membership.
Mr. Peters Lawyer Ousainou Darboe is yet to issue a public statement on the court verdict, but sources said the opposition UDP is committed to appealing the magistrate’s decision. UDP sources said an appeal suit would be filed before the high court to contest the conviction of Peters, whose road to freedom is no time soon. He has been slammed with two years jail terms.
Freedom Newspaper
