Tanzanian investigative journalist Erick Kabendera in court on August
19, 2019. He has appealed to the Director of Public Prosecutions to
respond to his request to enter into a plea bargain. PHOTO | REUTERS
Detained freelance journalist Erick Kabendera’s defence counsel
has appealed to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to respond to
his request to enter into a plea bargain to expedite his trial.
On
Wednesday, Mr Kabendera’s lawyer, Jebra Kambole told the principal
resident magistrate, Janeth Mtega of the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s
Court in Dar es Salaam that, no progress had been made since October
this year when they wrote to the DPP and subsequently informed the court
on the matter.
State attorney Ester
Martin who said the investigation into Mr Kabendera’s case is yet to be
completed, acknowledged that about two months had passed since the
journalist wrote to the DPP to initiate the plea bargain process.
Ms
Martin was however quick to point out that the accused himself or his
defence counsel should follow up the matter with the relevant officer
processing the file so he can know the progress that has been made.
Having
listened to both parties and observed that they had not reached any
agreement on the matter, the magistrate adjourned the trial until
December 18, 2019 for mention.
Mr Kabendera is facing charges of organised crime, failure to pay taxes and money laundering, all which he has denied.
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