By KT Reporter
On Monday, the Makindye chief magistrate listened to state prosecutors’ submissions opposing Dean Lubowa Saava’s bail application which had been made two weeks earlier.
The online journalist has been in Luzira for more than a month over offences related to illegal broadcasting and operating online TV station without being licensed by UCC, which is the regulator.
On Monday, UCC lawyers orally made submission responding to his bail application by rejecting his sureties who they said aren’t substantial enough to be able to force the accused person to keep appearing in court to stand trial once released bail.
The lawyers also referred to the accused person’s defiant history of threatening physical violence against UCC officials whenever he was summoned to answer or respond to complaints from victims of his broadcasts. They referred to videos he produced threatening to kill and harm UCC officials involved in his cases. This means the UCC staff won’t be safe from physical harm the moment Saava is released on bail.
They suggested that instead of granting the accused person bail, the magistrate allocates them time to ensure that Saava gets a quick trial so that he doesn’t have to be on remand for a long time since for them as prosecution they are ready with all their evidence and can make their case in the shortest time possible.
The UCC lawyers are convinced that the offence of disobeying lawful orders to stop illegal broadcasting is one to which Saava doesn’t have any defence.
“Investigations were completed long time ago, your honour and we are ready to prosecute the accused person to ensure quick trial as is prescribed in the constitution,” the state prosecution lawyers from UCC told court on Monday.
After hearing arguments from defence and prosecution lawyers, the magistrate sent back Saava to Luzira and announced Tuesday 11th November as the day when she will be expecting him back in court for her to deliver her ruling on his bail application.
Saava who used to brag about having connections in government, looked broken and powerless as the magistrate remanded him back to Luzira. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com.
