Gambia: Further information: Two Gambian journalists released on bail
Musa Sheriff and Sainey M.K. Marenah were released on bail on 16 January. If convicted, they would face sentences of up to two years in prison. They have been targeted for their work as journalists and for the legitimate exercise of their right to freedom of expression.
Further information on UA: 10/14 Index: AFR 27/002/2014 The Gambia Date: 17 January 2014
URGENT ACTION
TWO GAMBIAN JOURNALISTS RELEASED ON BAIL
Musa Sheriff and Sainey M.K. Marenah were released on bail on 16 January. If convicted,
they would face sentences of up to two years in prison. They have been targeted for their
work as journalists and for the legitimate exercise of their right to freedom of expression.
Journalists Musa Sheriff and Sainey M.K. Marenah were brought to court in Banjul on 16 January. They were
released on bail after pleading not guilty to charges of “publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm
to the public” and “conspiracy to commit felony”. These controversial clauses of the Criminal Code are often used
to target journalists who are exercising their freedom of expression and carry sentences of up to two years in
prison. The next court session is scheduled on 21 January.
Musa Sheriff and Sainey M.K. Marenah had been arrested on 13 January in Serekunda in relation to an article
published in the privately-owned Gambian newspaper The Voice on 9 December 2013. The article reported on the
defection of youth supporters of the ruling Alliance for Patriotic Re-Orientation and Construction (APRC) party to
the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP). The Voice later published a rejoinder after the APRC contested the
story. Amnesty International considered Musa Sheriff and Sainey M.K. Marenah prisoners of conscience.
Please write immediately in English or your own language:
Calling on the authorities to drop the charges against Musa Sheriff and Sainey M.K. Marenah since they
are related solely to the legitimate exercise of their right to freedom of expression;
Urging them to respect and protect the rights to freedom of expression and assembly and ensure that
journalists are able to carry out their work without hindrance, intimidation or harassment;
Urging them to remove unlawful restrictions on freedom of expression, association and assembly from the
legislation in The Gambia.
PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 21 JANUARY 2014 TO:
Minister of Justice
Amie Joof
Ministry of Justice
Marina Parade
Banjul
The Gambia
Fax: +220 422 9908
Email: info@moj.gov.gm
Salutation: Dear Director
Minister of Interior and NGO Affairs
Ousman Sonko
Ministry of Interior and NGO Affairs
No.5 J.R. Forster Street (Ex. Fitzgerald
Street)
Banjul
The Gambia
Fax: +220 420 1320
Salutation: Dear Minister
And copies to:
Minister of Foreign Affairs, International
Dr Aboubacar Senghore
Corporation and Gambians Abroad
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
4, Marina Parade
Banjul
The Gambia
Email: info@mofa.gov.gm
Also send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country. Please insert local diplomatic addresses below:
Name Address 1 Address 2 Address 3 Fax Fax number Email Email address Salutation Salutation
Please check with your section office if sending appeals after the above date. This is the first update of UA 10/14. Further information:
http://amnesty.org/en/library/info/AFR27/001/2014/en
URGENT ACTION
TWO GAMBIAN JOURNALISTS RELEASED ON BAIL
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Journalists, human rights activists and political opponents in the Gambia are routinely subjected to human rights violations such
as unlawful arrests and detentions, torture, unfair trials, harassment, assaults and death threats, making it extremely difficult for
them to do their work.
In July 2013, the Gambian government passed a law which limits freedom of expression on the internet, one of the few
remaining public spaces for dissent. The “Information and Communication (Amendment) Act 2013”, allows the government to
impose penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment and hefty fines for criticising government officials online. It targets people who
spread “false news” about the government or public officials; caricature or make derogatory statements against public officials;
and incite dissatisfaction or instigate violence against the government.
In April 2013, the National Assembly of The Gambia unanimously passed the “Criminal Code (Amendment) Act, 2013”, also
known as “The Principal Act”, which broadens definitions of offences and places harsher punishments on the following: acts of
public disorder, such as “hurling abusive insults” or “singing abusive songs”; giving false information to a public servant; and it
criminalizes people’s expression through their choice of clothing. The Principal Act contains vague definitions which leave room
for interpretation and application that do not comply with international human rights law.
In October and November 2012, journalists Abubacarr Saidykhan and Baboucarr Ceesay received a series of death threats.
They believe the threats were related to their attempts to peacefully demonstrate and their work as journalists. On 13 November
at around midnight, Abubacarr Saidykhan reported that as he was talking to his brother near their compound gate in Ebo Town,
Gambia, a black vehicle without license plates stopped outside. One of the four men in the car yelled, "We have [told] you that
we will come for you without any further information. We got information that you are a very stubborn journalist. The next time
we meet you your head will be hammered by one of our patriotic killers. Just continue to ignore our warnings." This follows from
a death threat both journalists received by email on 25 October 2012. It said: “You choose to live or die…you… want to destroy
the image of the APRC government and our affectionate President...I will come with my team of patriotic killers...”
In July 2006, journalist Ebrima Manneh was arrested and subjected to enforced disappearance for reportedly trying to publish
articles critical of the government. His whereabouts are still unknown. In 2008 the Economic Community of West Africa States
(ECOWAS) Court of Justice ordered the Gambian government to release him from unlawful detention and pay him
compensation, but the judgment has yet to be enforced.
In December 2004, Deyda Hydara, the former president of GPU and editor of The Point newspaper, was shot and killed in his
car while travelling home from work. The murder came on the anniversary of the establishment of newspaper, and three days
after controversial media legislation had been passed, which Deyda Hydara had vociferously opposed. No investigation has
taken place and no one has been brought to justice.
Names: Musa Sheriff, Sainey M.K. Marenah
Gender m/f: m
Further information on UA: 10/14 Index: AFR 27/002/2014 Issue Date: 17 January 2014