AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
24 July 2015
Gambia: Prisoner release should include all those detained for expressing dissent
“The release of family members of alleged coup plotters is a welcome move, and one long overdue. The detention of these people for almost six months without charge or contact with their families or lawyers violated international and regional human rights law, as well as Gambia’s own constitution”, said Sabrina Mahtani, Amnesty International Researcher for West Africa.
Yet despite the releases, other political opponents, journalists and prisoners of conscience remain detained, including the national treasurer of the opposition United Democratic Party, Amadou Sanneh, as well as party members Alhagie Sambou Fatty and Malang Fatty. The trio were convicted in December 2013 and are considered by Amnesty International to be prisoners of conscience.Last week, 17 July, the Managing Director of the independent Gambian radio station Teranga FM, Alagie Abdoulaye Ceesay, was arrested for the second time this month. He is being held without any contact with the outside world.
“We hope that the release of hundreds of prisoners is a step forward for human rights in the country, but there remains much more to do. The Gambian authorities should go further by releasing immediately and unconditionally all those arrested for expressing their opinion, including journalist Alagie Abdoulaye Ceesay and members of the opposition,” said Sabrina Mahtani.
To read the Urgent Action on Gambia Radio director rearrested, held incommunicado: Alagie Abdoulaye Ceesay click here
For more information or to arrange an interview please call Amnesty International’s press office in West and Central Africa, on + 221 77 658 62 27 or Email: [email protected]; [email protected] ;
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Marta Colomer Aguilera
West Africa Anglophone countries Campaigner
AI West and Central Africa Regional Office
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