Magistrate holds second witness hearing in chambers in Omar Badjie inquest

By Alieu Jallow and Dawda Baldeh

The coroner’s inquest into the death of Omar Badjie, who died following an encounter with police on 26 September, continued on Monday with the second witness heard behind closed doors.

Magistrate Anna O. Mendy, presiding over the inquest, held the hearing in chambers, allowing only the witness, the family’s legal representative, and two family members to attend. No explanation was given for the decision, and journalists were informed that the session would not be open to the public.

Sub Inspector Bubacarr Touray appeared as the second witness for the Inspector General of Police. The proceedings continued with Touray giving his testimony.

Last Thursday, Chief Superintendent Lamin Cham told the court that investigations revealed Omar Badjie was slapped twice and beaten with a stick by First Class Officer Sulayman Jarju during a routine patrol. He said Omar and others were smoking cannabis and fled upon seeing the police. Officers chased Omar for more than 300 metres before catching him, after which he was allegedly assaulted, particularly by Officer Jarju.

During the previous sitting, Magistrate Mendy asked journalists in court to stand before everyone and addressed them directly, citing a publication by journalist Kemeseng Sanneh, known as Kexx, which she said did not sit well with her. Despite the exchange, the case proceeded, and journalists documented the testimony of the first witness.

The Fatu Network could not confirm the reason behind the magistrate’s decision to hold Monday’s hearing in camera.

 By Alieu Jallow and Dawda Baldeh The coroner’s inquest into the death of Omar Badjie, who died following an encounter with police on 26 September, continued on Monday with the second witness heard behind closed doors. Magistrate Anna O. Mendy, presiding over the inquest, held the hearing in chambers, allowing only the witness, the family’s The Fatu Network