Dr Nyanzi’s lawyers, magistrate clash
KAMPALA. The hearing of a case against suspended Makerere University research fellow, Dr Stella Nyanzi, continued Wednesday with the trial magistrate urging the defence to drop matters she considered unrelated.
Dr Nyanzi is accused of harassing the President and allegedly insulting his late mother, both contrary to sections of the Penal Code Act on cyber harassment and offensive communication.
Defence lawyer Isaac Ssemakadde’s frustrations came out publicly yesterday in a series of prickly clashes in which magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu resolved that the 19 defence witnesses be given only two days to testify.
Raising the tone
This significant altercation came as Mr Ssemakadde raised his tone stating that the magistrate is presiding over his client’s case with a lot of bias.
“You should know whichever ruling of court cannot be influenced by shouting. I asked for dates and you said on July 9 and 10, you will be here,” Ms Kamasanyu said.
“I am calm your honour, please put your prejudices aside and allow us to defend our client. When you throw gasoline at my house, I must shout fire. You have already determined the case, showing that I must take two minutes per witness. I am a mathematician, if you are saying 10 people on Tuesday and 10 on Wednesday, that will be very little time,” Mr Ssemakadde replied.
