Presiding judge Amina Saho Ceesay of the Banjul High Court has granted bail with conditions to leaders of the opposition group 3 Years Jotna. 

The leaders of the anti-government group were arrested last month after a protest calling for President Barrow to step down turned violent.

The eight accused protest leaders – Abdou Njie, Ebrima Kitim Jarju, Sherrifo Sonko, Haji Suwaneh, Fatim Mballow, Kasim Touray, and Yankuba Darboe – are facing a slew of charges including rioting, unlawful assembly and criminal damage. Two of the charges attract a life imprisonment.

The bail conditions set by the high court includes D200,000 surety each, with two Gambian sureties with identity cards. 

And the accused leaders are also allowed to freely move within the country without hindrance.

They are also required to appear in court whenever they are needed.

Meanwhile, their case resumes at the High Court on March 25, 2020.

Prior to granting bail, the State prosecutors agreed to the defence counsels bail application.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba