A top official of the Ministry of Justice announced Tuesday that plans are in high gear to set up a hybrid court that will apply a mix of national and international laws.
Speaking to reporters during a presser held at the victims’ center headquarter in Kololi, Saffie Nyang said, they are working on the Special Prosecutor Office and Accountability Bills.
She then added that these bills have gone through a validation process, endorsed by victims.
“Special Prosecutor Office Bill is to create an investigate and prosecutorial office that will take over all cases related to the truth, reconciliation and reparations commission (TRRC),” she explained.
The truth commission put the spotlight on crimes committed by Gambians. Some of them confessed to have carried out killings at the direction of Gambia’s former longtime leader, YahyaJammeh.
Their files, she went on, will be handled by the Special Prosecutor through the investigative unit that will be tied to his/her office.
According to Saffie Nyang, the Special Prosecutor will be a well experienced person who has an in-depth knowledge of international law.
She further stated they will be establishing a hybrid court as some of the crimes that occurred are not crimes that fall into our domestic laws.
“The idea is to hybrid court that will apply international laws,” she added.
Gov’t In Slow Motion Mode
Meanwhile, the Director of Program of the victims’ center, Kebba Johm revealed that only 9 recommendations have been implemented by government.
Despite publishing a White Paper that endorsed 263 recommendations made by the truth commission, Gambia government continues to move in slow motion when it comes to their implementation.
Johm said some of the recommendations can be treated within a week, citing the renaming of the July 22nd Arch.
He then added they are people who have been adversely mentioned by the commission and are still holding public office.
Johm said it took government two years to be able to part ways with some of the people banned from holding public office.
