The arrests followed a failed attempt by GALA members to hold a one-year anniversary celebration at the Westfield Youth Monument on Friday. Police officers reportedly stopped the gathering, insisting the organisers needed a police permit despite the movement already securing approval from the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), which organisers said was the required authorisation for a social event.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, GALA member Kemo Bojang, described the arrests as unjust and politically troubling, saying the movement was being punished for demanding accountability in public institutions.
“These young people have done no crime. They were given a permit by the Kanifing Municipal Council to use the Youth Monument at Westfield, but only when they gathered to commemorate accountability, transparency and justice did the police suddenly move in.”
Among those detained are Hakeem Touray, Kaddy Jadamah, Omar Camara,Abdoulie T. Bah, Kexx Sanneh, Omar Sanyang, Ebrima Kaira, Alieu Sarr, Fallou Gallas Ceesay, Alieu Bah, Pato Jallow, Mainuna Bah, Muhammad Sillah, Ebrima Janha and Lamin Ceesay.
Mr. Bojang said the movement’s anniversary celebration was meant to reflect on what he called the impact of GALA’s activism in pushing issues of accountability into the national spotlight, including concerns surrounding audit reports.
“These young people rose to ensure that those reports come alive to the public,” he stated.
He also condemned the conditions under which some detainees are being held, alleging overcrowding at the Banjulinding Police Station and poor treatment of detainees at the Anti-Crime Unit in Banjul, commonly referred to as Bambadinka.
“Females among those arrested have been denied basic sanitary materials,” he alleged. “Family members have also been denied visitation rights.”
Mr. Bojang accused sections of the police of acting outside the law and warned that the country risks sliding back into fear and intimidation.
“There was a time in this country where people were taken away and families could do nothing. When you see signs of that returning, even in a subtle way, you must stand against it.”
He called on Gambians, religious leaders and young people to show solidarity with the detainees ahead of their expected court appearance on Monday.
“No police summons, no prison walls will silence our pursuit of justice,” he declared.
