The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) has raised alarm over the secretive nature of the coroner’s inquiry into the death of Omar Badjie, reportedly held behind closed doors in the presiding magistrate’s chambers. Access has been restricted to only the deceased’s family and legal representatives, prompting accusations of opacity and undermining public trust in the justice system.
Omar Badjie’s death, which occurred while in the custody or under the control of state security forces, has sparked widespread concern. The EFSCRJ argues that a coroner’s inquiry, a judicial process meant to investigate unexplained or suspicious deaths, must be transparent, particularly when state agencies are involved. The group condemned the reported justification of “national security” for barring public and media access, calling it “unfounded” and “contrary to the principles of open justice.”
The lack of a public legal explanation from the magistrate for denying access has further fueled suspicions of bias or a potential cover-up. “Justice conducted in secrecy creates the perception of impunity,” the EFSCRJ stated, emphasizing that the public has a right to know the circumstances surrounding Badjie’s death.
The group has issued an urgent call to The Gambia’s Chief Justice to ensure the inquest is held in open court, grant access to the public and media, and prevent “national security” from being misused to obscure the truth. The EFSCRJ stressed that the judiciary must uphold constitutional principles of transparency and fairness.
Badjie’s death is seen as a critical test of national accountability. “Justice must not only be done, but it must also be seen to be done,” the EFSCRJ declared.
