Photo: MFWA Facebook Page |
The Media Foundation for
West Africa, MFWA, says it is “very upset” about a charge of “conspiracy to
commit felony” brought against two Gambian journalists by the police in the
capital, Banjul.
Mr.
Baboucarr Ceesay, first vice president of the Gambian Press Union (GPU), also a
correspondent of the Nairobi-based Nations Media Group, and Mr. Abubacarr
Saidykhan, a freelance journalist, were slapped with the charge on September
10, 2012 for simply applying for a permit to peacefully demonstrate against the
August execution of nine death row inmates.
“The MFWA is dismayed at
this event, as the journalists, by seeking permission to protest, demonstrated
their respect and faith in the authorities,” the Accra-based press and free
expression watchdog said.
In that regard the MFWA
calls on the Gambian government to drop this charge, uphold and respect Section
25 of the Gambian Constitution which entrenches the right to peaceful
demonstration.
The MFWA said its sources
reported that the charge on the journalists followed their arrest and detention
on September 6, 2012, after seeking a police permit to peacefully protest
against the execution of nine death row inmates upon the orders of President
Yahya Jammeh.
They were, however,
released on September 10 after signing a bail bond of 250,000 Gambian
Dalasis (about US$8,333 ) each, with one Gambian surety.
The two, until their
release, had been in the custody of the Interpol Unit of the Gambian police
service.
The Foundation also
quoted unnamed sources as saying “initial charges of “inciting violence” were
dropped and replaced with the charge of conspiracy to commit felony.”
It added that when
officials of the Gambian Press Union (GPU) demanded to see the charge sheet, a
senior police officer retorted that they could not give out a charge sheet,
explaining that they were still investigating the matter.
Ceesay and Saidykhan are
expected to be arraigned before Court on September 17, 2012, MFWA sources
reported.
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