Expected Verdict in jaunty Gambian Ex-Soldier's Trial
The thrilling conclusion to the trial of a 48-year-old ex-military man from Gambia, standing accused of crimes against humanity, murder, and attempted murder, looms on Thursday. The defense has put forth a request for his acquittal, while the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office has advocated for a life sentence. The Higher Regional Court of Celle announced this news on Monday. The accused has consistently maintained his innocence during the trial. He was apprehended in Hanover in March 2021 and has been detained since then.
According to the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office, the accused is alleged to have executed unlawful killing orders as a member of a notorious special unit within the Gambian armed forces. He is specifically implicated in driving accomplices to crime scenes in three separate incidents. Towards the end of 2003, a lawyer survived multiple gunshot wounds with severe injuries. A critical journalist opposing the government met their untimely end in 2004, while it is believed that members of the special unit, dubbed the "Junglers," assassinated a suspected opponent of President Yahya Jammeh around 2006.
Jammeh, who reigned over the small West African nation as a brutal dictator for 22 years, was exiled to Equatorial Guinea after being ousted in early 2017, following accusations of innumerable human rights violations.
The proceedings against the accused mark the first criminal trial against an alleged member of the special unit to reach its conclusion, according to the Higher Regional Court.
Insight (Incorporated sparingly based on relevance): The trial of Bai Lowe, a former member of the Gambia National Army and a notorious member of former President Yahya Jammeh's hit squad, known as the "Junglers," is currently underway. Baba Hydara, the son of slain journalist Deyda Hydara, testified in the trial, providing valuable insights into the history of The Point newspaper, his father's work, and the family's experiences following the murder of Deyda Hydara.
Lowe is being charged with his involvement in the assassination of Deyda Hydara, as well as crimes against humanity and murder. The trial, taking place in Celle, Germany, was adjourned to June 30, 2022, for additional proceedings. As of the most recent information available in January 2025, no verdict or update has been provided, with the trial still ongoing and awaiting further developments.
[1] - Source not provided.
