By Sulayman Waan
A good number of Gambians are demanding the police to drop charges levelled against prominent Gambian activist, Madi Jobarteh.
Madi Jobarteh was called in for questioning Tuesday and later charged with ‘false publication’ by police. His charges came days after granting an interview on the issue of Black Lives Matter during a protest held in Pipeline along Kairaba Avenue, where he said ‘government failed to investigate and take necessary legal actions on the deaths of Haruna Jatta, Ousman Darboe and Kebba Secka.’
He is also charged under the country’s “false information and broadcasting” law which carries a minimum jail term of one year and a maximum fine of D250, 000.
Omar Jammeh, a youth leader in the Central River Region Regional told The Voice that “the arrest and charge of Madi Jobarteh, on false publication and broadcast is a very low thinking from The Gambia Police Force.”
He added: “demanding justice on the alleged murder of Kebba Secka and others is a course for concern. Much would have been expected from government other than an explanation and also charging suspects before the courts.”
Without further delay he called on “Government to drop all charges levelled against Madi Jobarteh and apologize to him,” he said.
Modou MC Cham Jr, National Youth President for the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) described charges against Madi Jobarteh as ‘a big setback for the country’s democracy’.
“What Madi Jobarteh said is right and everyone should support him. We have the right to know how far the Government has gone in investigating the alleged police and security brutalities in our country,” he said.
The police reaction to Madi Jobarteh’s statement, he said, is a dictatorial move, adding “why should they charge him for expressing his views.”
Ba Maane also said “I can’t believe this is happening in “modern day Gambia”! Are we really ready for a system change or are we determine to maintain the old downtrodden anti-human, illegal system! This behaviour is utterly outrageous, and repulsive, to say the least.”
While FBA Conteh observed that “The Gambia police keep going after the people for the wrong reasons. The police have to stop serving the interests of politicians and start defending and upholding The Gambia constitution.”
Fatou Jallow alias Toufa, wrote on Madi Jobarteh’s face book post “Unacceptable! The foolery is getting really insane. But your clarity on the ground you stand so firm on inspires all of us.
