By Yusupha Jobe
Amnesty International acting deputy regional director for West Africa, Marta Colomer has said that Sunday’s crackdown on protesters has a potential of alarming on The Gambia’s brutal past.
Her recent reaction on Sunday’s 3 Yrs Jotna movement protest which resulted to violent as 137 people are reported to be under police custody and others hospitalized.
She said the government of The Gambia has in the past improved on its human rights records since the advent of the new found democracy, noting that the use of force by the security forces to disperse protesters risk fuelling tension and taking Gambia back to dark days of repression.
“There have been some improvement in the country’s human rights record since President Barrow came to power, but the use of force by security forces to disperse protesters can risk fuelling tension and putting the nation back to its days of oppression.
“No one should face arrest simply for exercising their human rights to freedom of expression peaceful assembly. The authorities must immediately and unconditionally release all those detained for exercising their rights and also reopen the closed radio station,” she said.
She then reminded the president not to forget his promised of improving the country’s human rights records and freedom of expression.
“The government must ensure that the media is free to do their work without fear of reprisal. Journalist should not be jail or detain simply for practicing their legal profession.” She said.
