By Mama A. Touray
Former Gambian soldier Abdoulie Sanyang, who is on trial for contempt of court and arson, has been denied bail after the High Court ruled that his medical needs can be treated in The Gambia.
Sanyang, who appeared using crutches, asked to be released to seek specialised treatment abroad. His lawyers argued that his deteriorating health required care in Switzerland. The court rejected the request after a state ordered medical assessment found that his condition is stable and manageable locally.
The ruling followed extensive submissions by Counsel Lamin J. Darboe for Sanyang and Counsel S. L. Jobarteh for the state. Darboe relied on sections 19(5) and 24(3) of the 1997 Constitution and section 125(a) of the Criminal Procedure Code, and referred to a report by CSP Yusupha Jabang of Mile Two Central Prison. The prosecution challenged that report, noting CSP Jabang is not a practitioner from a recognised government hospital as required by section 125(2)(a) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2025.
The court then directed the Chief Medical Officer of Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital to examine Sanyang. Dr Mustapha Bittaye reported that while Sanyang has a long history of rectal bleeding, constipation and spinal complaints, he does not require admission and can be treated as an outpatient with periodic review at EFSTH. The report described him as clinically stable and not in a life threatening condition, while noting that an unsuitable prison environment could worsen symptoms if it limits movement or timely access to care.
Counsel Darboe argued that Sanyang’s health has visibly deteriorated in custody and that the reality at Mile Two, with limited medical support, places his client at unnecessary risk. Counsel Jobarteh maintained that the EFSTH findings show the conditions are stable, manageable and not life threatening, which does not meet the legal threshold for bail on medical grounds.
The court concluded that no exceptional circumstances had been shown under section 125(1) and 125(2)(a) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2025, and dismissed the application. Sanyang remains in custody pending continuation of the main trial in Banjul.
Background for new readers: Sanyang was arrested in August at Banjul International Airport shortly after an interview on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez, where he accused the government of rigging the 2021 presidential election and of involvement in the Sukuta Jabang shooting that killed two police officers. Authorities said the remarks had serious national security implications. He also faces an arson charge linked to allegations that the APRC political bureau in Kanifing was set on fire in 2016, which he denies.
By Mama A. Touray Former Gambian soldier Abdoulie Sanyang, who is on trial for contempt of court and arson, has been denied bail after the High Court ruled that his medical needs can be treated in The Gambia. Sanyang, who appeared using crutches, asked to be released to seek specialised treatment abroad. His lawyers argued The Fatu Network
