By Haddy Touray
The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) has noted that the Ministry of Justice has withdrawn its ex parte motion at the High Court, which sought to prevent the release of Ousainou Bojang and Amie Bojang following their full acquittal and discharge on 30 March 2026.
EFSCRJ said it had submitted a formal letter to President Adama Barrow, urging the immediate and unconditional release of the siblings in accordance with his oath of office and the Constitution. The organisation condemned the Ministry’s initial action as unlawful, unjustified, and ethically indefensible, noting that the withdrawal does not erase the illegality of the motion.
“The reversal appears driven not by respect for the law, but by sustained public condemnation and protests led by the Gambia Accountability and Leadership Association (GALA) and concerned Gambian youths,” EFSCRJ said.
The organisation also expressed concern over the conduct of security forces during the protests, citing the deployment of armed police, indiscriminate use of tear gas, excessive force, and the alleged death of a baby, along with injuries, hospitalisations, arbitrary arrests, and detentions. EFSCRJ described these actions as grave violations of citizens’ rights to life, liberty, and peaceful assembly.
In response, EFSCRJ called for the immediate resignation of Minister of Justice Dawda A. Jallow and Inspector General of Police Seedy Muctarr Touray, holding them responsible for defying a court order and undermining judicial independence. The organisation described such conduct as a serious abuse of power, a dereliction of duty, and a breach of the Constitution.
EFSCRJ rejected the withdrawn ex parte motion as null and void ab initio and demanded the resignation or removal of all officials responsible for the unlawful detention of the Bojang siblings. It also urged the President and the National Assembly to ensure accountability and safeguard citizens’ constitutional freedoms.
