Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The High Court in Banjul has dismissed an application by life convict Lamin Lang Sanyang seeking early release on parole under the new Criminal Procedure Act 2025.

Sanyang, who is serving a life sentence, had asked the court to compel the Gambia Prison Service to place him on the statutory parole program introduced by the 2025 law. He argued that he had already served more than one-quarter of his sentence and had demonstrated good behavior while in custody.

His lawyer submitted that Section 258 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2025 grants eligible inmates a legal right to be considered for parole and eventual supervised reintegration into society.

However, the State, represented by the Attorney General’s Chambers, opposed the request. Prosecutors argued that although the new Act contains parole provisions, they cannot yet be implemented because no supporting regulations have been issued and no government rehabilitation or monitoring facility currently exists to supervise released prisoners.

Delivering his ruling on Tuesday, Justice Ebrima Jaiteh upheld the State’s position. He noted that the legislation clearly requires the establishment of regulations and designated facilities before any prisoner can lawfully benefit from the parole scheme.

Justice Jaiteh held that until Parliament or the responsible minister puts those structures in place, the court cannot order the Prison Service to grant parole to any inmate, including Sanyang.