Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), the African Regional Organization of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), vented today its anger and protest over the severe press freedom and trade union rights violations perpetrated in the Gambia by the Gambian Authorities.

Gambian National Intelligence Agency (NIA) yesterday summoned and detained leaders of the Gambian Press Union, namely Vice President Sarata Jabbi-Dibba, Secretary General Emil Touray and Treasurer Pa Modou Faal.

According to the Gambian Press Union, Pap Saine, Publisher of The Point Newspaper and Ebrima Sawaneh, Editor of The Point were also at the NIA headquarters.  Sam Sarr and Abubcarr Saidy Khan, Editor and Reporter of Foroyaa Newspaper respectively were also picked up for questioning around 7.30pm local time.

“This is not the first time that the Gambian authorities have taken unwarranted actions against genuine journalists and their leaders,” said FAJ President Omar Faruk Osman. “These latest illegal actions against union leaders and journalists brightly bring to light yet again the unacceptable brutalities of the Gambian regime,” he added.

“We call upon stronger reaction from the International Community and African Union (AU) on this grave situation by pressuring the Gambian government to take all necessary measures in order to act in accordance with its international obligations concerning the respect of the right to free expression, “ Omar Faruk said.

“The Gambian regime has been committing continuously acts of violence including arbitrary arrests and detentions, death threats, intimidation acts, and surveillance visits perpetrated by State-Agents to shut up the independent journalists and their leaders with total impunity. We demand the opening of an independent investigation about these despicable acts and for the protection of our brothers and sisters in the Gambia,“ Omar Faruk declared.