President Adama Barrow has ordered an end to the murder trial of six police officers and civilians accused of killing protesters in Faraba Banta after an appeal from the victims families.

In a press release issued on Tuesday the president said he was halting the criminal trial after receiving a letter from the people of Faraba Banta through their Alkalo, Omar Kujabi, for the case to be abandoned in order to “promote true reconciliation, peace and stability in the village”.

“The community stated that they were satisfied and appreciative of the responsible leadership demonstrated and acts of compassion that His Excellency, President Adama Barrow and his government had undertaken after the incident, such as the visit by the President to the community in the immediate aftermath of the incident, the setting up of a commission of inquiry and appointment of a coroner as well as his decision to act on the recommendations of the investigative commission, among other gestures.

“Based on the foregoing, the president has accordingly accepted to respect and grant the wishes of the community, particularly families of the victims, to immediately withdraw all the charges against the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) officers and civilian perpetrators concerned”.

The six Gambian police officers who were facing trial for murder were Baboucarr Cham, Bala Musa Fatty, Mamadou Jallow, Alieu Camara, Musa Badgie and Nuha Colley. They were accused of unlawfully firing at a group of villagers protesting against the mining of sand in Faraba Banta last June which resulted in the death of Bakary Kujabi, alias Seffo, Ebrima Bah and Amadou Jallow known locally as Amadou Nyang.

The killing angered many Gambians and human right groups who demanded justice for the victims.