Upholding Integrity in our Discourse
Dear Mr. Melville Robertson Roberts and others the sentiments you expressed are commendable, but it is essential to acknowledge that, as observers, we found your words to be flattering.
I would like to respectfully remind you that, not so long ago, you were involved in a Facebook Live broadcast where you lost your composure and hurled insults at someone who had allegedly defamed and spoken disparagingly about your child. As a legal professional, your reaction was quite temperamental, and you resorted to using profanity.
While freedom of speech and dissenting views are fundamental principles, it is crucial to recognize that they can be challenging to uphold in practice. The primary distinction in this instance was that you were not holding public office, but several hundreds of thousands of people including individuals including myself look up to you, much like you admire Lawyer Amie Bensouda. Many people had to urge you to reconsider your actions, and you even intended to block those who advised you to disregard the individual who had spoken ill of you and your daughter.
You could have taken the higher ground and refrained from resorting to personal attacks, which included disparaging remarks about the individual’s mother. Lawyer Amie Bensouda chose to pursue legal action, which was the honorable course of action, and it highlights the importance of respecting the laws of our country
The ongoing discussions surrounding the alleged illegal sale of looted assets belonging to Yahya Jammeh have raised significant concerns about how we address unsubstantiated claims within our society. It is imperative that those with allegations present solid evidence to the relevant authorities, allowing the judicial process to take its course. If proven guilty, individuals responsible for any wrongdoing must be held accountable.
As a member of the legal community, I recognize the serious implications of libel, defamation, and character assassination. The recent decision by Lawyer Amie Bensouda to use Facebook Live to confront unfounded claims made by Mr. Mamadi Kurang raises questions. Should such an important discourse devolve into a contentious “he said, she said” scenario? I believe it should not.
Instead, we would have benefited from Lawyer Bensouda directly addressing the Gambian people, clarifying how the Janneh Commission managed the sales of the assets in question. That said, I commend her for taking legal action against Mr. Kurang, providing him an opportunity to either present evidence for his claims or face the consequences of a lawsuit. This was not a threat; it was a chance for him to substantiate his assertions.
Lawyer Amie Bensouda is a respected member of our community—a loving mother, wife, and fellow Gambian who deserves protection from baseless allegations. Unfounded claims against her, or anyone for that matter, must not go unchecked.
It is not just Lawyer Bensouda who has taken a stand; we have seen others, like Abubacarr Jawara, pursue legal redress in the face of defamation. It is crucial that we foster a culture of truthfulness and integrity in our discourse. When confronted with contentious issues, we must either speak truthfully or choose silence. This isn't about stifling dissent; it’s about combating the arrogance and misinformation that undermine our society.
I extend my sympathies to those aligning with Mr. Kurang, yet I must point out that his posture appears rooted in a troubling arrogance, which hinders our nation’s progress. Lawyer Bensouda’s courageous actions serve to promote our democracy and establish a precedent: that conveniently disregarding the truth will not be tolerated.
Let us strive toward a more respectful and fact-based dialogue, while ensuring that individuals like Lawyer Bensouda are protected from unsubstantiated attacks.
Sincerely,
Ensa Ceesay for police Cadet
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