The trial of seven Gambian journalists accused of publishing with “seditious intention” will now continue at a High Court in Banjul instead of the Kanifing court where the trial began.

On July 1, 2009, the accused, four newspaper journalists and three executives of the Gambian Press Union (GPU) were summoned to appear on July 3, instead of the original adjourned date of July 7.

Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) sources believed that this latest move by the authorities is to prevent the public from following the case and to ensure that the journalists are convicted.

The journalists were arrested separately on June 15, four days after the GPU issued a statement criticising President Yahya Jammeh for speaking ill of slain editor, Deyda Hydara. They were hurriedly arraigned before the Kanifing court which refused them bail until June 22, when they were released on bail in the sum of 200,000 Dalasis (about US$7, 000) and two sureties each, after being charged. Additionally, the journalists also produced two landed properties.

Since then the matter continues to receive local and international attention. On June 22, a large crowd besieged the court premises in solidarity with the journalists. The crowd, mainly journalists, family members and other well-wishers were prevented from entering the court premises which was guarded by military personnel armed with riot gear.

The High Commissioner of the United Kingdom and the United States Ambassador, who observed the trial, issued a statement condemning the harassment of the media in the Gambia.

Augustine Kanja, reporter of The Point newspaper was arrested by security personnel deployed outside the court premises for photographing the crowd.

MFWA reiterates its call for African leaders currently meeting in Libya to enjoin President Jammeh to unconditionally withdraw the charges and also repeal all repressive laws which contravene the 1997 Gambian constitution.

Prof. Kwame Karikari
Executive Director
MFWA
Accra
Tel: 233 21 24 24 70
Fax : 233 21 221084
Website : www.mediafound.org
Email: [email][email protected]