The
United Democratic Party (UDP), says it strongly condemns the disproportionate
use of force and acts of violence against innocent protesters who were engaged
in exercising their democratic rights to protest under a permit issued by the
Inspector General of Police.
The
party further urges women’s rights defenders to stand up against the
mistreatment of women protesters, while equally condemning the closure of the
private radio stations.
Below
read the full text of the party’s news release.
The
United Democratic Party has observed with great concern the events of January
26, 2020 between the security forces and members/supporters of the “Three Years
Jotna Movement”.
The
United Democratic Party is known for its respect for human rights, tolerance
and adherence to freedom of expression and assembly; as demonstrated by its
conduct over the past 25 years. We therefore, strongly condemn the
disproportionate use of force and acts of violence against innocent protesters
who were engaged in exercising their democratic rights to protest under a
permit issued by the Inspector General of Police.
The
party took note of graphic images of Gambians being brutalised by personnel of
the Police Intervention Unit (PIU). This included the beating of female
protesters already arrested. The UDP urges those who continue to advocate and
claim to be supporters of women’s rights to review their positions in view of
the mistreatment of innocent female protesters.
The
closure of media houses is unacceptable. Media reports have it that the
Minister of Information was not privy to any decision taken to close these
media houses. We condemn this action on the part of the police and urge
government to reopen these radio stations immediately. The arbitrary closure of
media houses and arrest of journalists was the hallmark of the Jammeh
administration.
The
party also understands that many arrested individuals have been denied access
to legal advice and family visits; and some of the arrested individuals require
medical attention. They have been denied these rights and this is reminiscent
of the Jammeh-era excesses.
Media
images also showed a young man who lost his teeth and was bleeding profusely as
a result of violence by the PIU. These are not the kind of images and types of
actions Gambians expect to see post-2016, neither is this the change Gambians
voted for in December 2016.
The
United Democratic Party calls upon the government to observe the principles of
the rule of law and cooperate with the Human Rights Commission to conduct an
enquiry into why a peaceful and lawful demonstration was violently disrupted.
We
equally appeal to all citizens to exercise restraint and observe the rule of
law in the exercise of their rights in the interest of peace and national
security.
