afrol News, 28 February - The former editor of the 'Daily Observer', a pro-government newspaper, was back in the dock at the Banjul Magistrate's Courts to answer charges of publishing false information.

Mam Sait Ceesay, who had earlier served as a press officer at State House, was briefly detained last week by Gambian police.

Mr Ceesay has been charged with two counts of publishing and broadcasting false information, contrary to Section 181 of the amended Criminal Code. This outlawed the publication of "false information" a criminal and punishable offence.

Those found guilty of the crime face a minimum of one year in prison with an option of a fine of US $2,000 or both.

The case was earlier suspended by the courts after the prosecution had committed an error of procedure.

Ceesay's troubles began on 7 September 2007 when he was accused of causing the publication of a "false information" on the Daily Observer that Ebrima J.T Kujabi, President Yahya's Press Director, was replaced.

Two days later, Ceesay was arrested and held incommunicado for three days with Malick Jones, a journalist of the state-owned national radio, Gambia Radio and Television Services.

They appeared before Banjul Magistrate's Courts on 12 September, charged with 'passing information to an unnamed foreign journalist,' contrary to Section 4 of the Official Secret Acts.
The men were granted bail by the court, but they were re-arrested and remained in detention until they fulfilled the heavy bail conditions.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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