9 UDP youth leaders were earlier today called in for questioning at the Kombo South Tujeren police station for organizing an unlawful assembly. The youth leaders who are from across the greater Banjul area reportedly refused to accept the reason advanced by the police for the unlawful arrest.
The leader of the United Democratic Party, Lawyer Darboe was at the Banjul police head quarters within minutes of the arrest. The deputy Inspector general of police, stated, “the arrest was a big misunderstanding and that, the 9 youth leaders were mistakenly detained”. The UDP leader demanded that, such a thing should never happen to his youth leaders since, the conference they organised was legal and did not prevent anybody conducting their usual business.
Sainey MK Marenah, a freelance journalist also confirmed that, “the 8 youth leaders and the youth secretary, Ebrima Solo Sandeng were released without any bailed condition or charges.”
The Tujeran police profusely apologized to the youth leaders and stated that, the information they got was misleading and inaccurate. The UDP youths unequivocally told the police that, “they reserve the right to file a complaint against them for unlawful detention.”
The youth leaders arrested includes: Solo Sandeng, Fakeba Kolley, Lang Marong, Sunkary Jasseh, Jerreh Fatty, Mawdou Suso, Samba Jallow, Ousman Drammeh and Yahya Njie. They have all been released without any condition.
Within minutes of the arrested, the Kombo South party sympathizers came to the scene and emphasize that, the youth leaders are within their rights to hold the youth forum in Tanji. Solo Sanden, the youth secretary made it clear that, “they will continue to organize forums for youths to be well informed about events in the country and they will categorically reject any restrictions.”
Ebrima Solo Sandeng, The UDP youth Secretary also confirmed their release stating that they were question about their Saturday meeting held in coastal village of Tanji, that saws 19 green youths cross carpeting to the opposition United Democratic Party.
The UDP youth President on his part state that, the event was well attended and that, any further escalations or unlawful detention of youths leaders, the situation will get out of hand.