Two key figures of former President Yahya Jammeh’s hit squad, the Junglers, have been denied amnesty in the government white paper.

 Lt. Malick Jatta and Omar A. Jallow confessed to commit gross human rights violation including killings and torture before the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission. 

According to the white paper, TRRC received 25 applications and added 11 were dismissed and five denied while one was referred to the Attorney General for finalisation of granting of immunity.

However, it said the commission recommended that the State could grant ex-Jungler Lt. Malick Jatta’s utility as a witness in line with its prosecution strategy.

“The Commission recommended for the denial of the Application by Lt. Malick Jatta on the basis that although he gave full disclosure, showed remorse, and helped the Commission in its investigation his acts form crimes against humanity.

“The Commission further recommended that the State could grant him immunity should it wish to use him as a witness. The Government accepts this recommendation and will evaluate Lt. Malick Jatta’s utility as a witness in line with its prosecution strategy.

“The Commission recommended for the denial of the Application by Omar A. Jallow on the basis that although he gave full disclosure, showed remorse, and helped the Commission in its investigation his acts form crimes against humanity. 

“The Commission further recommended that the State could grant him immunity should it wish to use him as a witness,” the white paper read.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba