Ex-Gambian soldier Abdoulie Sanyang has been denied bail in his ongoing trial at the High Court in Banjul, a case that continues to attract national attention and stir debate over justice and health rights.

Sanyang, who now uses crutches to attend court hearings due to a leg injury, appeared visibly weak during his recent appearance, sparking concerns among observers about his health condition.

Some Gambians expressed worry over his physical state and called on the authorities to ensure he receives proper medical attention while in custody.

The former soldier faces charges of arson and contempt of court.

Prosecutors accuse him of setting fire to the APRC political bureau in Kanifing in 2016, an act they say was politically motivated.

He is also accused of making contemptuous remarks during a radio interview on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez in August this year, in which he launched a fierce attack on the government.

During the interview with West Coast Radio, Sanyang accused the administration of rigging elections and being involved in the Sukuta-Jabang shooting, an incident that left two police officers dead.

He was arrested at Banjul International Airport shortly after the interview and has remained in detention since.

Gambian state claimed his comments had serious national security implications, arguing that his words could incite unrest.

However, his defence team maintains that he was merely exercising his constitutional right to free expression and should not be criminalised for his opinions.

Despite a strong plea for bail by his lawyers, the High Court judge ruled that Sanyang should remain in custody pending the conclusion of the trial.

By Adama Makasuba