The United Democratic Party (UDP) Secretary-General and Party Leader, attorney Ousainu Darboe, has advised Gambia’s people to think about suing the government for violating their rights.
“If you did not violate your bail conditions, they have no right to revoke the bail because the bail is granted to your own conditions, and you fulfill those conditions,” Darboe stressed in an interview with Kerr Fatou. Why would they rearrest you if you don’t break the terms of your bail? That will be another inappropriate use of discretion. That’s the reason I said that in order to stop this, citizens should be prepared to sue the government. Instead of using rocks and sticks to fix the issue, we should utilize the legal system to demonstrate to them that their actions are improper and that we will not stand for them.

He also said that he was disappointed by President Barrow’s remarks on the remand of those who had been given bail, calling them unfortunate.

It is regrettable that the president expressed such opinion on court bail. It should have been his responsibility to see that the law is upheld in the Gambia. Our constitution said that the president should take the lead in assisting all government departments in helping judges carry out their rulings. It is regrettable, however, and maybe he has second-guessed his comments. He should exercise caution since these are little things that add up until you reveal your actual nature. These are indications, and they are not encouraging for the president or the nation. Since it is an indication that you don’t want to abide by that legislation. How can you urge the police to re-arrest someone after a judge has issued orders? Should that occur, the magistrate or court need to file a contempt case against that specific police officer, transport you to mile 2, and assign you a lengthy date, he said.

Speaking to Kerr Fatou last Thursday, attorney Ousainu Darboe, the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) secretary general and party leader, made these statements.