ALERT: JOURNALIST DODOU SANNEH IN COURT

Foroyaa – Dodou Sanneh, a journalist who worked for the state owned Gambia Radio and Television services appeared before Magistrate Manyima Bojang of Banjul Magistrates’ Court, on Monday, 30 May 2011, charged with giving false information to a public officer.

Mr Sanneh was dismissed in 2006 at the height of the presidential election campaign while he assigned to cover the campaign of an opposition party. He was reinstated but later dismissed again.

He pursued a case of wrongful dismissal with the Ombudsman, constitutionally established to address problems of maladministration. Dissatisfied with the lack of progress he wrote to the president dated 7 March 2011.

On 16 March he was arrested in connection with this letter. He was detained at Banjul for three days before being taken to court on 29 May 2011. But the case was adjourned till 16 May 2011.

However, the case did not proceed and it was again adjourned till 30 May 2011. Mr Sanneh has pleaded not guilty to the charge.