UK says ‘deeply concerned’ by Gambia execution

British Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt has said he was “deeply concerned” by reports Gambia had executed nine prisoners.

The ministry of the Interior of the Government of The Gambia on Monday confirmed the execution of nine death row inmates who were sentenced to death by “Gambian courts of competent jurisdiction”.

“I am deeply concerned over reports that nine prisoners on death row in The Gambia have been executed following comments by President Jammeh that all death row prisoners would be executed,” Burt said.

President Jammeh vowed in a speech last Sunday that by mid September, all death sentences would have been carried out to the letter.