By Fatou Krubally
15 members of Gambia Against Looted Assets (GALA) were on Friday arrested and detained by the police, the pressure group disclosed during a press conference held on Saturday.
GALA members had gathered during a commemoration event marking the group’s one-year anniversary at the Youth Monument in Westfield when police crackdown on them arresting some members.
The group alleged that the arrests were unjustified and that those detained were not treated properly while in custody.
According to GALA, the gathering had been authorized by the Kanifing Municipal Council for use of the venue. The group said police later moved in to halt the event and detained participants before it could fully take place.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, Kemo Fatty said the members were engaged in peaceful civic activity.
He alleged that some detainees were being held at Kairaba Police Station, while others were transferred to Kotu Police Station, and raised concerns over access to basic needs and family visitation.
GALA also called for religious leaders, civil society actors and the wider public to speak out on the matter, describing the arrests as an attempt to intimidate young people involved in advocacy.
As of Saturday evening, the Gambia Police Force had not issued a public response to the allegations.
Meanwhile, Banjul North National Assembly Member Modou Lamin B. Bah condemned the arrests, describing them as a concern for civil liberties. He called for the release of the detainees if no charges had been filed, and urged authorities to respect constitutional procedures, including the requirement to bring suspects before court within 72 hours where applicable.
The Gambia National Youth Parliament (NYP) also issued a statement condemning the arrests, describing them as a restriction on peaceful assembly and civic engagement.
The organization called for the immediate release of the detainees and for clarification from police on the legal basis for the arrests, while warning against actions that could discourage youth participation in governance and public affairs.
The incident has drawn attention from civic and political actors, with calls for accountability and respect for constitutional rights continuing to emerge.
