By Adama Makasuba
The Kanifing Magistrate Court has just granted bail to 14 members of Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) who were arrested and charged over a gathering at the Westfield Monument on Friday.
The accused persons had earlier been charged by the Gambia Police Force with unlawful assembly and common nuisance following their arrest during the public gathering, which authorities said was held without a police permit.
According to police, the group was initially offered bail conditions requiring one Gambian surety and a bail bond of D50,000 each, but they allegedly rejected the terms and opted to have the matter determined by the court.
They were subsequently charged under Section 63 of the Criminal Offences Act, 2025 for unlawful assembly and Section 137(1) for common nuisance.
When the case was called before the Kanifing Magistrate Court, the 14 accused persons pleaded not guilty to all charges. They were represented by senior lawyers Lamin J. Darboe and L. S. Camara, who are among the country’s prominent legal practitioners.
After hearing submissions from both the prosecution and defence, the court granted bail to all 14 accused persons now, allowing them to remain free as the case continues.
The charges relate to a gathering at the Westfield Monument, which police described as an unlawful assembly, while the defence maintains the gathering was peaceful.
The matter is expected to proceed to full hearing at a later date.
