In
response to the arrest of 137 protesters following clashes with security forces
in Gambia yesterday, Amnesty International’s Acting Deputy Regional Director
for West and Central, Marta Colomer, said:
“Yesterday’s
crackdown on protesters had alarming echoes of Gambia’s brutal past. There have
been some significant improvements in the country’s human rights record since
President Adama Barrow came to power, but the use of excessive force by
security forces to disperse protesters risks fuelling tensions and steering
Gambia back to dark days of repression.
“Last night, media quoted medical officials
reporting that three people were killed, and many others injured with broken
legs in clashes which broke out, with security forces using tear gas to
disperse protesters. The authorities claimed that there are no fatalities. They
now must promptly, thoroughly and effectively investigate the allegations and
bring to justice anyone suspected to be responsible.
“No one should face arrest simply for
exercising their human rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
The authorities must immediately and unconditionally release all those detained
for exercising their right to peaceful protest. We also call on them to reopen
the radio stations which they closed and release the journalists detained. Any
attack on media freedom should end.
“President Adama Barrow must not forget his
significant promises to improve the Gambia’s human rights situation. He must
ensure that journalists are able to carry out their work without fear of
reprisal and immediately lift the ban imposed on civil society organizations.”
