Babylon ‘fresh’ charges delayed

Fresh charges - to be brought -  against the accused in the ongoing Babylon attack case are once again at the centre of the cause of delay, with no sign of their coming up soon.

This development came as both the presiding magistrate and the state prosecutor failed to turn up, as they were reportedly indisposed.

The incident, which occurred on April 11, had sparked a wave of tension in the country, as the attack by angry natives of Makumbaya Village left widespread destruction of properties in the village of Babylon, Kombo North.

At least 94 accused persons are currently standing trial for their involvement in that incident.

However, the prosecution has indicated its intention to review the original charges preferred against the accused persons, a move that would enable it to withdraw charges against some of the accused and continue the trial of others.

But since then, the case has suffered several adjournments, with no sign of the fresh charges coming forth

When the case resumed before the Brikama Magistrates court on Wednesday, in the presence of some of the accused persons, the court clerk informed them that both the presiding magistrate and the state prosecutor were absent and that their absence meant that he would have to adjourn the case.
The case was therefore adjourned to Tuesday, September 23, for the continuation of the proceedings.