(IFJ/IFEX) – According to IFJ, Theophilus George, managing director, Baba Galeh Jallow, editor-in-chief, and Demba Jawo, news editor, all of the “Daily Observer”, were arrested on Sunday 30 August. They were detained in connection with an article published in the “Daily Observer” about the discovery of armoured cars and an armoury behind a collapsed wall […]
(IFJ/IFEX) – According to IFJ, Theophilus George, managing director, Baba
Galeh Jallow, editor-in-chief, and Demba Jawo, news editor, all of the
“Daily Observer”, were arrested on Sunday 30 August. They were detained in
connection with an article published in the “Daily Observer” about the
discovery of armoured cars and an armoury behind a collapsed wall of State
House.
We believe that these journalists were arrested solely in order to
intimidate them and other members of the profession. It was a show of
strength on the part of state agents, which was a direct attack on freedom
of expression. They were only released on Tuesday 1 September.
Whatever the powers granted to the intelligence service under the laws of
the Gambia, these acts were clearly in contravention of international
standards on freedom of expression. It is unfortunate that such incidents
occur at a time when the commitment of the Gambian authorities to freedom of
the press is already being questioned.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
journalists to exercise their profession free from harassment
Appeals To
H.E.Yahya Jammeh
President of The Gambia
Banjul
The Gambia
Fax: +220 227 034
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
