Malick H.B Jallow, the lawyer for Samsudeen Phatey has reacted to the judgement in the case of his client (Samsudeen Phatey) vs Momodou S.M Jallow, a sitting high court judge. Justice Momodou S.M Jallow was dragged to court for denying Samsudeen Phatey the right to a fair hearing by unlawfully interfering with the administration of justice in a case his niece Neneh J. Thompson (Nahima Jawneh).
The presiding judge Justice Amina Saho-Ceesay, delivered judgement on Tuesday, 8th November 2022 in favour of Samsudeen Phatey, who Lawyer Malick H.B Jallow represented. Following the landmark judgement, Lawyer Malick H.B Jallow made a public reaction to the case on his Facebook page. Below is the full excerpt of his reaction:
“On the 8th day of November 2022, the High Court in Banjul presided by Hon. Justice Amina Saho Ceesay rendered judgement in the case of Samsudeen Phatey v. Momodou SM Jallow (a sitting Judge of the High Court) in what is widely acclaimed as a landmark Judgement.
In its judgement the court ruled in favour of my client Samsudeen Phatey and held that Momodou SM Jallow had violated the right of Samsudeen Phatey to a fair hearing by unlawfully interfering with the administration of justice in a case his niece Neneh J. Thompson now Nahima Jawneh is involved in; and further ordered him to pay monetary compensation of GMD 200,000.00 to Mr. Phatey.
This Judgement is a fundamental advert for the independence, impartiality of the judiciary on the one hand and it’s enduring commitment to advancing the noble ideals of the rule of law, respect for fundamental rights and civil liberties. It is further testament that were judicial officers’ fall below the professional standards required by law, they can be held to account before a court of law.
The Judgement also provides hope for victims of human rights violations that they can seek and obtain redress, in the Gambia and before Gambian courts, were there exist a proven infringement.
On a personal note, I am pleased to have participated in this judicial process as Counsel for Samsudeen Phatey.”
