Gambia charges over 'coup plot'

Banjul, 19 March-(ANA)-A group of senior military officials and businessmen have been charged with trying to overthrow Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, the government says.

A Justice Ministry statement said the group had "conspired to stage a coup d'etat and overthrow the president".

Mr Jammeh himself came to power after a bloodless coup in 1994.

His critics recently expressed concern over a wave of arrests of senior officials - some of whom have been in jail for months without charge.

Gambian newspapers reported that the men are being accused of bringing in weapons and mercenaries to support their coup attempt. (ANA)

FA/ANA/19 March 2010-----