By Almamo Kamaso
The former National Intelligent Agency (NIA) head of investigations cannot remember a lot of tortures he and his team inflicted on various victims some twenty years ago. Barry a witness told the Truth Commission, that the testimonies of Ebrima Barrow, Lalo Jaiteh, Dumo Saho, Omar Darboe and Batch Samba Jallow are not true. He denied stripping some of them naked as methods of torture. These atrocities were within the range from 1995 to 2002.
The Victims that incriminated Barrry were Omar Joof, Omar Darboe and others victims, it was also put to him that even some of his juniors such as Salimina Drammeh and some seniors such as Harry Sambou were all those who incriminated him. The witness denies that he was involved in any tortures at the NIAs, even when the lead Counsel put to the (witness) that Ballo Kanteh, and others said he Barry electrocuted them, again he denied doing so.
Barry denied knowledge of the NIA haven a cell called “Bambadinka”, and lead Counsel put to the witness that, he would be the first director of investigations at the NIA , not knowing that there was a place called “Bambadinka” which lead counsel said that was shocking.
When the witness was faced with investigations concerning the Ndure Cham foiled coup, he said he protested against the torture of Tamsir Jassey, and Abdoulie Kujabi. Barry told the Truth Commission when he went to the NIA offices one evening and found Tamsir Jassey who was in cuffs and was crying bitterly. Witness then ask Jassey what happen and he narrated that he was being subjected to beatings from 5pm to 7pm, that was the time he the witness (Barry) said he went to Lang Tombong and others to protest that the victims needs better treatment.
On the NDLEA illegal detentions of 436 persons at Hohgam , which illegal detention the witness agreed is a violation of the rights of victims. However Barry said he was working on the directives of the former Director of NDLEA late Ben Jammeh.
Witness said all those who incriminated him were lying except one; and the Lead Counsel indicated if he would like to believe what he said, and he replied that is up to the Commission.
