The demonstration, which began around 11:00 a.m. at Arch 22, saw protesters carrying banners with messages such as "Release the names", "Return back the assets", “The arithmetic does not make sense”, and "Janneh Commission is a scam".
According to reports, the protesters were divided into three groups, who were each arrested as they arrived at the assembling point. Saibo Camara, the spokesperson for GALA, was among the first arrested. As police officers directed him towards the boot of their vehicle, Camara was heard chanting: "We are assembled at a public place and we have the right to gather because we are citizens of the country. You should have to tell us where you are taking us."
Other advocates, including Babucarr Keita, Kexx Sanneh, Hakeem Touray, and Ousainou Gambia, were also taken in custody.
The second batch of protesters showed up moments after the first batch was arrested and the third batch also arrested moments after the second batch was taken.
Following the arrests of the protesters, journalists covering the event were also targeted. Mattar Jassey of the Fatu Network was confronted for filming the scene, while Alieu Ceesay of The Alkamba Times and Sheriff Conteh of the Independent Media were arrested and taken inside the police headquarters.
Alieu Ceesay reported that his phone was confiscated at the scene. After repeatedly requesting its return, he was eventually allowed to access it and was released without charges.
As of the time of this report, the fate of the arrested protesters remains unknown, as they remain in police custody.
