The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on the Gambian authorities to stop harassing journalists after police have launched what appears to be an intimidation campaign against Saikou Ceesay, a reporter with the privately-owned Foroyaa newspaper.

Ceesay was held overnight without charge, interrogated and now is being forced to check in regularly with police after he investigated the arrest and detention of Dida Halake, Managing Director of the pro-government Daily Observer newspaper.

"The Gambian police should stop seeing the journalists as enemies or spies and allow them to work freely," said Gabriel Baglo, the Director of the IFJ Africa office.

On Sunday 15 June, Saikou Ceesay, was arrested while he was conducting the interview with the newspaper director at the Kotu police station in the Gambian capital of Banjul. Ceesay was first allowed to visit Halake but minutes later police arrested the journalist.

After his arrest, Gambian Press Union executives, colleagues and Ceesay's family members were denied access to him. Ceesay was released on bail on Monday without charge after being interrogated. Ceesay reported to the police this morning as requested but was told that the person in charge of his case has been promoted and thus his case would be extended. He must report back on Monday.

Halake, a Kenyan-born journalist, was arrested on Saturday and has not yet been charged but sources say he is accused of financial mismanagement and "misconduct". Whilst in jail he was replaced by Ms. Nene Macdouall Gaye, former Information and Communication Minister. According to sources Halake is still in detention.

"Authorities cannot keep media personnel in limbo like this," Baglo said. "We do not believe that Saikou has done anything illegal and police should not continue their campaign to harass and intimidate him. Dida Halake's rights must also be protected; police must not hold him indefinitely without charges."

For more information contact the IFJ at + 221 33 842 01 43
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 122 countries worldwide