Press Release Date; March 17th 2016
Background:
On December 30, 2014, brave fellow citizens, motivated by patriotism, made a daring attempt to bring about political change in our country. The effort did not succeed, but the collective desire and determination to help end the two decades of tyranny, marked by gross abuses of human and civil rights, in Gambia, has not diminished. But following an unsuccessful effort, which resulted in several casualties, the rest, who participated in the effort, Cherno Njie, Texas; Banka Manneh, Georgia; Alagie Saidy Barrow, Tennesse, and Papa Faal, Minnesota, appeared before a Federal Judge in St. Pauls, Minnesota, where all of them pleaded guilty, except Cherno Njie, who is due to take his plea on April 4th, next month. At the end of that trial, which lasted several months, the presiding judge set sentencing date on May 10 and 11, 2016.
It can be remembered that during that unfortunate operation in December 2014, Jaja Nyass, U.K; Lamin Sanneh, Washington, D.C, and Njagga Jagne, Kentucky, lost their lives Today, months after the end of those trials, and nearly two months before their sentencing date in May, fellow citizens and friends of the Gambia worldwide are reminded keep these liberators in their prayers. The four have been widely praised by Gambian activists and non-activists alike for their selfless determination and the ultimate sacrifice made by those who lost their lives trying to free Gambia from the clutches of a tyrant. According the U.S Department of justice, the four are charged with: (1) Conspiracy to violate the Neutrality Act, 1 count (2) Conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, 1 count
Character Witness Letters for Defendants:
As a result of fast approaching sentencing dates, Gambians and friends of the Gambia are urged to kindly assist in writing character letters witness for each of the four Dec 30 defendants. All those who wish to write character witness letters MUST personalized them and are to be received by March 31st, 2016. Please address to Honorable Federal Judge Richard H. Kyle and email directly to their respective lawyers. In the character letter, state (1) how long you have known the defendant (2) about the defendant’s character, family, professional life, sacrifices, and civil nature (3) how the defendant helped you and other people (4) what the defendant have done in their communities –volunteering work, political and social activism. Please remember to be specific and all character letters must be unique for the defendant it is written for.
Defendant’s Lawyers Contact information:
Banka Manneh: Attention Attorney Mark D. Larson, [email protected]
Cherno Njie: Attention Attorney Andy Birrell, [email protected]
Alagie Saidy Barrow: Robert Richman, [email protected]
Papa Faal: Andrew Mohring, [email protected]
Open Invitation to Activists, Civil Organizations, Media Houses and the Public:
You are all invited to come and show support, solidarity, media coverage to honor the December 30th 2014 heroes. Remember your support in the court room matters, so please come and register your presence in the court room.
St. Paul Federal Court House Judge:
Honorable Judge Richard H. Kyle
316 Robert Street, 100 Federal Building, St. Paul, MN 55101
Contact Information:
For any Further information, please direct enquires to Concerned Civil Citizens:
Email: [email protected], Tel: 612-442-8322
Conclusion:
Thank you all for your solidarity and standing together to meet these challenges. Together, we will manifest our collective love for freedom and justice for our heroes and the country. And may the struggle for freedom continue to live in our hearts and minds.
Sincerely Yours,
Concerned Civil Citizens