Release of journalist Alagie Sissay confirmed

 

Mr Sisay

Gambia Press Union confirmed yesterday that the managing director of Teranga FM radio station, Mr Alagie Sisay has been released after twelve days in the custody of the state.

"He was dumped in the streets of Yundum, near the Airport, at 11pm, where his family picked him after he telephoned to inform them of his release, says Saikou Jammeh secretary general of the union.

"Although Mr Sisay has given no further details regarding his ordeal, his family confirmed that no criminal charge was leveled against him. It has also been confirmed that he was not in good health conditions and had to undergo check-up at a medical facility. "

On 2 July, Sisay, manager of the community radio station Taranga, was at his compound close to the radio station, when he was informed by a friend that two men in plain clothes were looking for him at the station near his house. When Ceesay went to talk to them, his friend also tried to follow the exchange but was told by two men to go away.

"The prolonged detention of Mr Sisay is an infringement on his constitutional right not to be detained beyond 72 hours. His apparent mistreatment is deeply regrettable," Jammeh added.

He said the GPU is committed to the protection and promotion of press freedom and freedom of expression.

UDP’s Treasurer, Others Appear at High Court

Amadou Sanneh (ThePoint)

The Special Criminal Division was packed with family members, love ones and well as well wishers as the National Treasurer of the opposition United Democratic Party, was being escorted to the courtroom by plain cloth officers.

After one week in the hands of the National Intelligent Agency, Amadou Sanneh, Sambou Fatty and Malang Fatty were arraigned before Justice Nkea at the High Court in Banjul.

Sanneh and two others were arrested and since then have been have been in custody at the headquarters of the National Intelligence Agency in Banjul over what the NIA described as a failed attempt to help a young man seek political asylum in Finland.

The state have brought charge(s) against all the accused but they could not take their plea. Sambou Fatty whose appearance prompts the judge to ask what was wrong with him is yet secure the services of a lawyer. The same thing goes to Malang Fatty.

Sambou couldn’t stand straight while on the dock, he was twisting throughout before the court order that he should be made to see a doctor at the Edward Francis Small Teaching hospital.

UDP’s Leader Interrogated at the NIA Headquarters

 

Mr Darboe from the NIA headquarters

Leader of United Democratic Party (UDP) this morning went home as free man after spending more than one hour at the NIA headquarters in Banjul.

 Lawyer Ousainou Darboe who told journalists on Tuesday that he has been called by the NIA for questioning have some of his supporters  outside the headquarter; while others were at a nearby restaurant to wait for the outcome

When he finally came out of the NIA building, some of his supporters rush to shake hands with him while others put your hands together to cheer him up.

However, a perturbing look could clearly be seen on his face as he tells his supporters to remain calm.

Darboe drove away without speaking to journalists who approach him to find out the outcome of the questioning.

On Tuesday, a press conference was held at Mr Darboe’s residence in pipeline regarding the government’s recent statement that they (UDP) are tarnishing the country’s image.

His respond came after his party was blame of dissolute activities by ‘casting a very bad and negative image of both the Government and noble people of The Gambia’ by the government.

‘‘These people and institutions specialize in lying and providing false attestations for would-be asylum seekers using the main opposition party (UDP) as a platform for such nefarious activities, thereby casting a very bad and negative image of both the Government and noble people of The Gambia,’’ the government said in statement according to local newspapers.

Author: Binta A Bah