The pleadings and requisitions in the trial of Rémy Lamah, former Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, were scheduled for Thursday October 31. But the Appeals Chamber of the Court for the Repression of Economic and Financial Offenses, CRIEF, postponed the hearing until November 7. And for good reason!
Former Minister Rémy Lamah and the company SOGUIMAP SARL are being prosecuted by the Guinean State and the company ZMC, for alleged acts of “corruption in the procurement, execution and control of public contracts and complicity. » The requisitions and pleadings did not take place as planned on October 31 before the CRIEF Appeals Chamber. The cause? The defense of the accused, Rémy Lamah and the company SOGUIMAP SARL, says that it has not read the pleadings and requisitions communicated by the civil party. She wanted the file to be sent back, to allow her to read the contents of the documents provided by the opposing camp, in order to prepare properly. But the civil party’s lawyers refused the request, insisting that the case be pleaded purely and simply.
Aly Touré, representative of the public prosecutor’s office, supports: “To avoid the decision being free from any reproach, postpone it until later on Thursday.”
What the judge, Daye Mara, followed, he adjourned the hearing to November 7 and ordered the defense to communicate its submissions to the other parties later, Monday, November 4.
As a reminder, on July 31, 2023, the CRIEF Judgment Chamber dismissed Rémy Lamah and SOGUIMAP, for purposes of prosecution for an unconstituted offense.
Souleymane Bah
2024-10-31 17:26:00
Interview between Time.news Editor and Legal Expert on the Rémy Lamah Case
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we’re diving into a significant legal matter that has captured the attention of many — the trial of Rémy Lamah, the former Minister of Health and Public Hygiene. Joining us is Dr. Claire Moreau, a renowned legal expert specializing in economic and financial offenses. Claire, thank you for being here.
Dr. Claire Moreau: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this very important case.
Editor: Let’s get right into it. The hearing for Rémy Lamah was initially set for October 31 but has now been postponed to November 7. What can you tell us about the implications of such postponements in trials of this nature?
Dr. Moreau: Postponements can happen for a variety of reasons. In high-profile cases like this, they may involve procedural issues, the need for more time to gather evidence, or even the unavailability of key witnesses. This isn’t uncommon and often reflects the complexities involved in economic and financial crime cases.
Editor: Rémy Lamah’s case involves charges that are particularly sensitive considering his previous position as a minister. How does this factor into the public’s perception of the trial?
Dr. Moreau: Absolutely, the public’s perception plays a significant role, especially with someone who held a high-ranking position. There’s often a heightened expectation for accountability and transparency. In cases involving former officials, the stakes are even higher, and scrutiny can lead to intense media coverage and public discussions that can influence the legal proceedings.
Editor: Speaking of accountability, what can we expect from the legal proceedings next month? What types of arguments are often presented in such cases?
Dr. Moreau: Generally, the prosecution will focus on providing evidence of financial misconduct or negligence. Defenses may revolve around demonstrating a lack of intent or misinterpretation of the law. In Lamah’s case, given his former role, we might also see debates about the broader implications of political decisions and their legal interpretations.
Editor: It’s intriguing to see how legal proceedings can intertwine with politics. Do you anticipate any potential challenges in gathering evidence or witness testimonies in this case?
Dr. Moreau: Certainly, challenges might arise. Political cases often involve complex networks of relationships and actions that can be hard to untangle. There could also be issues around the willingness of witnesses to come forward, given the sensitive nature of the allegations.
Editor: As we await the new hearing date, is there any advice you would give to the public on how to approach news regarding this trial?
Dr. Moreau: I would encourage everyone to stay informed but also be critical of the information presented. Legal cases can be complicated, and media coverage may sometimes oversimplify or sensationalize certain elements. It’s important to consider multiple perspectives and understand the legal context.
Editor: That’s sage advice, Claire. As this case develops, we’ll be watching closely. Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today.
Dr. Moreau: Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep the dialogue open around such critical issues in our society.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. We’ll continue to provide updates on the Rémy Lamah case as it unfolds. Stay informed and engaged!