Gambian civil society wants charges against activist dropped
Banjul, Gambia (PANA) – Gambian civil society on Friday urged the government “to drop all charges” against one Gambia's leading human rights activists, Madi Jobarteh, while raising fears over the state of freedom of expression in the “New Gambia.”
The call was made at a press conference organized by civil society members under the umbrella Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (TANGO) at the body’s head office in Kanifing, 8km from the Banjul City.
This followed the unfolding problem between members of the Gambia Police Force who detained Mr. Jobarteh and later slammed “false publication and broadcasting” charges on him.
“Drop all charges against Mr. Jobarteh and offer an unconditional apology to him,” the civil society members demanded in a statement.
They urged the government to refrain from “inviting” citizens for questioning about their opinions or remarks so long as such opinions do not constitute incitement to violence and hate speech.
“We hereby call on the state to ensure that the police always act within the law and with professionalism when dealing with citizens and non-citizens in the country,” the groups said, adding: “state should repeal all the repressive and repugnant laws that negate and dilute the enjoyment of the fundamental rights guaranteed under our constitution.”
Further calls were made for the state to desist from using the same Jammeh era repressive laws to stifle freedom of expression and association or media freedom.
“We urge the state to demonstrate transparency and accountability by informing the general public about the state of affairs into the investigation of the murder of Haruna Jatta and Ousman Darboe and the trial of suspects in the murder of Kebba Secka, among other cases of concern.
PANA recalled that Mr. Jobarteh, an activist and one of the leading critical voices in the Gambia, was “invited” by officers stationed at Kairaba Police Station in Gambia’s commercial city of Serre Kunda last Tuesday where he was questioned and asked to write a statement before being charged.
According to him, he was subjected to questioning by deputy police commissioner Pateh Bah on remarks he made against the way and manner the Barrow Government handled a number of murder cases that occurred recently.
-0- PANA MLJ/VAO 3July2020
