Gambia Affairs:Gambia:The Gambia Bar Association Condemns Moses Richards Conviction in A Press Release

Sheriff Tambadou President of Gambia Bar Association

"This Monday, the 19th day September 2011 at approximately 11 am at the Banjul Magistrates Court, Moses B. J Richards, a legal practitioner was convicted and sentenced to serve a term of 2 years with hard labour at Mile II Central State Prisons. The alleged crimes for which he was convicted were giving false information to a public servant contrary to section 114(a) of the Criminal Code and sedition contrary to Section 52(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
"The prosecution, conviction and sentencing was presided over and carried out by Magistrate T. A. Alagbe."
The Gambia Bar Association noted that the incarceration of their colleague puts the Gambian Legal profession on trial and puts the Independence of their profession and the bar into question.
According to them, "It is a universally accepted principle of all civilized societies that an advocate must be allowed to represent his or her client without fear or favour. In this instance the charges against Mr Richards related to a letter he had written to the Sheriff of the High Court in the course of his duties as a lawyer and while under the direct instruction of his client. The letter made reference to the executive branch of the government. Mr Richard's client appeared in court and swore under oath that he did indeed instruct Mr Richards to write the said letter. These are the 'crimes' for which Mr Richards is being punished."
They observed that , "once again The Gambia is portrayed as a nation where the mere mention of the Office of the President is risky. The Gambia Bar Association urges the executive branch of the government to take note" and requested that it does not allow a wedge to be driven between it and the people. They claimed that the incarceration of their colleague may smear the international reputation of the Country and weaken their resolve to prevent the further weakening of the Gambian legal system.
They claim that the principles that seek to protect and safeguard the integrity of the profession is under threat and call on the Executive branch of Government to pay heed to the Legal sector. The Gambia Bar calls on the Government of the Gambia to step in and protect its citizens, prevent the degradation of the Constitution and the legal profession and free Moses Richards.
The bar puts all relevant authorities on notice that the Gambia Bar Association will actively seek the institution of disciplinary action against lawyers that seek to visit terror and humiliation on innocent people. They concluded by openly inviting the executive to a dialogue for the interest of all.
The press release was sent to Gambia Affairs by a senior member of the  Bar Association.