Seven soldiers accused of an attempt to overthrow the democratically elected government of President Adama Barrow have today being charged with treason and conspiracy to commit a felony.

Last year December, the government arrested seven soldiers, two civilians and a police officer in connection to a foiled coup plot. 

All of them have now been charged. One of the accused is still at large.

The charged soldiers are Lance Corporal Sanna Fadera, the alleged coup leader, Sergeant Gibril Darboe, Corporal Ebrima Sano, Corporal Ebrima Balder, Corporal Omar Colley, Corporal Baboucarr Njie, Corporal Mbarra Touray, and Warrant Officer Class 2 Lamin Jadama who is at large.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges, as they appeared before Magistrate Muhammed Krubally of the the Kanifing Magistrates’ court after official hours.

The lower court magistrate informed the prosecution that the court lacks the power to hear the charge of treason and chose not to read it.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba