The rape trial involving Bubacarr Keita has suffered a setback today (18 July) after his supporters stormed the Bundung high court to demand a fair trial and justice.

Mr Keita is alleged to have raped his ex-wife’s underaged sister resulting in a pregnancy. He denies the charge.

However, the high court judge, Momodou SM Jallow told the court amid tense reactions from supporters of Bubacarr Keita that: “If you distract us, the least we will do is we will adjourn the case and we will not proceed. 

“And so, you will not be doing any good to your friend that you support. You’re all welcomed to come and witness proceedings in court.”

He said a court door is never closed. “Just guard it so that nobody enters the court and nobody is kept standing in the court”, adding “nobody is supposed to be standing. If you don’t have a place to sit, please move out. You’re all supposed to be seated, security officers try to take comfortable seats and make yourselves comfortable.” 

The said they are all there for the same purpose “to ensure justice is done”, but added “you don’t get justice if you carry it in your hands and say you will exercise it”.

“We do not expect to be distracted. Let us all be quiet or otherwise anyone who makes noise in court, eject them out of the court premises. We can only do order here. This is the last bastion of order in Gambian society,” he added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba