Gambian Government Asked To Release Three Journalists Ahead Of Elections

The Gambian government has been called upon to either charge or release three journalists that were arrested last week. The three were picked up by authorities last week and have not been heard from since, while the reason for their arrest has not been made public.

Gambia Press Union president Bai Touray told All Africa that that all attempts to get hold of the head of the state broadcaster Momodou Sabally, a colleague, Bakary Fatou and photographer Alhagie Manka had failed.

Human Rights Watch today demanded that the trio be released or appropriately charged and asked authorities ensure that Gambian and international media can operate without fear of harassment or arbitrary arrest. It also noted that today marked the start of the two week residential election campaign.

According to Human Rights Watch, officials from Gambia's National Intelligence Agency (NIA) arrested Sabally and Fatty on November 8, while Mankawas arrested on November 10. All three have yet to appear in court, in violation of Gambian law.

"The Gambian government's arrest of three journalists before the start of the presidential election campaign could have a chilling effect on the media's ability to fairly cover the election," said Babatunde Olugboji, deputy program director at Human Rights Watch. "Intimidation and threats against the media need to stop for voters to be able to make informed decisions."

President Yahyah Jammeh's government has repeatedly been accused of intimidating journalists and members of the opposition. Having held power since a coup in 1994, Yahyah is running for a fifth term when the west African country votes on December 1st.

Human Rights Watch was told that Gambia Radio and Television Services employees believe that Sabally was arrested because the station broadcast footage of an opposition candidate's nomination at the time when the station was scheduled to cover an agricultural initiative led by the first lady.

None of the three detained journalists have appeared before a judge, despite a provision in the Gambian constitution requiring that anyone arrested or detained be brought to court within 72 hours, according to Human Rights Watch.

Several Gambian journalists told Human Rights Watch that they were concerned that the arrests would discourage the state broadcaster from ensuring fair coverage of opposition parties. The group also noted that Gambia's election campaign began with 30 opposition supporters, including the leader of the largest opposition party, serving three-year prison terms for their role in peaceful protests in April.

"Fair elections are only possible if all candidates and parties can freely campaign and journalists can report freely," Olugboji said. "The Gambian government and security forces need to allow everyone to make their voices heard during the election campaign." - Town