Since launching in 2021, Justice Defenders in The Gambia has secured the release of over 800 people who had been sentenced to jail for petty offences. We have also trained thirty-plus paralegals, equipping them with legal knowledge to help themselves and their community. In 2023, thanks to the support of generous donors and unlikely allies, we assisted more than 1,000 individuals access legal assistance.
Africa Legal spoke to Legal Practice Manager Deo Patience Candia to learn more about the criminal justice system and how it relates to our work. Through legal education and practice, many at the margins of society receive legal services from our trained paralegals. The result is hundreds receive legal support and a fair trial in court.