The Kanifing Magistrates’ Court has granted bail to all 22 youths held at Mile Two Central Prison on charges of unlawful assembly.

The decision comes after a tense hearing that drew significant attention from the public and local media.

Magistrate Thomas Touray set the bail amount for each accused at 50,000 Dalasi.

The court mandated that each youth provide a Gambian surety, who is required to deposit their national identification card with the court as part of the guarantee.

The magistrate also directed that the accused formally acknowledge the conditions of their bail, a measure designed to ensure compliance while the case is ongoing.

During the proceedings, Magistrate Touray emphasised that the youths must refrain from engaging in similar unlawful acts pending the resolution of their case.

He warned that any breach of bail conditions would result in immediate revocation, signaling the court’s firm stance on upholding legal order.

The group of 22 had been detained following allegations of participating in an unlawful assembly, which authorities said disrupted public order.

Initially, some of the youths reportedly resisted the idea of police bail, choosing instead to remain in custody until their court appearance.

Legal representatives working with the youths argued that their clients had acted within their rights and stressed the importance of observing due process.

Following the ruling, the youths were released from custody under the conditions outlined by the court.

Observers noted that the bail decision reflects the judiciary’s attempt to balance the enforcement of the law with the protection of individual rights.

The case remains ongoing, with the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court set to monitor compliance closely.

By Adama Makasuba