The
spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Cécile Pouilly, has
called on state authorities in The Gambia to investigate the death in state
custody of two members of the United Democratic Party (UDP).
“We
urge the authorities to investigate the death in State custody of Mr [Solo]
Sandeng and Mr [Ebrima Solo] Krummah as well as allegations that detainees are
denied access to medical care,” the UN Human Rights Commissioner said in a
press release sent to this paper yesterday.
The
release stated further: “We deplore the reported death in custody of Ebrima
Solo Krummah, a member of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), last
Saturday.”
According
to information they received, she noted, Mr Krummah passed away after he was
taken to hospital for a surgical operation.
“He
had allegedly been denied medical help on several occasions while in
detention,” the release stated.
Mr
Krummah, who was in his 50s, was among the May 9 protesters charged with
unlawful assembly. He was remanded, and later hospitalised on August 8.
“Other
detainees have also reportedly been denied medical care in recent months,” the
UN Human Rights Commission release said, calling for investigation into the
deaths.
“We
urge the authorities to investigate the death in State custody of Mr Sandeng
and Mr Krummah, as well as allegations that detainees are denied access to
medical care,” the release concluded.
