Augustine Kanja, a reporter for the Banjul-based "The Point" newspaper, was released without charge on 24 June 2009.
(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.
