GPU concerned over detention of two journalists

The Gambia Press Union, GPU, has expressed concern over the continued detention of two journalists, arrested since Monday and detained by state security agents.

Musa Sheriff, publisher of The Voice newspaper and Sainey Marenah, a freelance journalist, remained in detention at Police Headquarters in Banjul, where they were moved to on Wednesday from Sanyang Police Station.

‘‘The Gambia Press Union is concern over the detention of Musa Sherrif, publisher of The Voice newspaper and Sainey Marenah, a freelance journalist, who were on Monday arrested and detained by state security agents,’’ the union said in a statement issued yesterday.

According to the GPU, Musa Sherrif was arrested at his office by plainclothes officers. He was later taken to Sanyang Police Station, where he was cautioned and charged with giving false information to a public servant.

Sainey Marenah, who was asked to report at Sanyang Police Station was also cautioned and charged by the investigating officer, the GPU added.

‘‘The duo being investigated in connection with a publication in The Voice newspaper alleging the defection of nineteen ‘Green Youths’ to the opposition United Democratic Party, were denied bail by the state security agents,’’ it said.

One of the officers, the GPU went on, indicated that they received an executive order to investigate the story pertaining to the alleged defection of the 19 Green Youths published by The Voice newspaper.

The GPU further stated that since The Voice newspaper has accorded the APRC space to refute the story it published on the purported defection of the “Green Youths,” it means the paper has no intention whatsoever to prejudice the ruling APRC party.

The duo were on Wednesday transferred to Banjul Police Station, where they are currently held.

Based on the foregoing, the Gambia Press Union appealed to the country’s authorities to drop the charges against the two journalists, and allow them to carry on with their normal duties.