Lawyers protest prolonged detention of FDC member

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 28 NOVEMBER 2011

Treason suspects (L-R) Sam Mugumya, Francis Mwijuke and Ingrid Turinawe listen to the Nakawa magistrate as their lawyer, Mr David Mpanga (Standing), looks on.

Posted  Monday, November 28  2011 at  19:16

Lawyers representing three FDC supporters, who were remanded over treason, on Monday described as “unacceptable” their long detention without being committed for trial by the State.

Mr David Mpanga asked the State to release Ms Ingrid Turinawe, the FDC women league leader, Mr Sam Mugumya, a political assistant to party leader Kizza Besigye, and Mr Francis Mwijukye, the head of the FDC youth wing, saying their continued detention violates their freedom.

No case
“If the State cannot commit the accused persons, let them be released. The fact is that there is no evidence against them,” Mr Mpanga told court.

The trio, who appeared before Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court, are remanded over charges of alleged treason in connection with walk- to -work protests against the rising costs of living.

The lawyer’s complaints were prompted by State submission by Mr Moses Musudah, who sought for another adjournment, saying inquiries were still ongoing.

Mr Musudah said: “We are still waiting for some documents which were sent to Makerere University for transcribing but they have not been returned to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for consideration.”