29 June 2009

Alert

Detained journalist granted bail


Incident details

Release

Augustine Kanja, Journalist
(MFWA/IFEX) - Augustine Kanja, a reporter for the privately-owned Banjul-based "The Point" newspaper, was released on 24 June 2009 after posting bail in the sum of 50,000 Dalasis (approx. US$1700).

Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)'s sources reported that although Kanja has not been charged with any offence, he has been asked to report daily to the Serrekunda Police station.

Kanja, a Sierra Leonean, was arrested on 22 June at the premises of the Kanifing Magistrate Court while covering proceedings of the seven detained journalists and executives the Gambian Press Union who have been accused of publishing with "seditious intention". The seven journalists were granted bail and will appear in court on 7 July.

The sources said that during his detention, Kanja was denied visits like many other detained journalists.

Source:

Media Foundation for West Africa
PO Box LG 730
30 Duade Street, Kokomlemle
Legon, Accra
Ghana
alerts (@) mediafound.org
Phone: +233 302 242470
Fax: +233 302 221084
@mfwaalerts
 

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From other IFEX members

Reporter freed, president urged to stop hounding newspaper (RSF)
Police confiscate journalist's camera (MFWA)

More on this case

Six journalists released on bail, another arrested 24 June 2009

The Gambia

Former minister gets life imprisonment for demanding an end to the dictatorship 19 January 2012 Newspaper journalist charged with criminal defamation 12 January 2012 Authorities fail to find editor's killers after seven years 16 December 2011 On election day, president displays contempt for press freedom 29 November 2011 Jailed lawyer pardoned 20 October 2011 See all alerts: The Gambia


 
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