Mass Detention Without Trials Update

Detention without trial is still persisting in the Gambia. The people whose names are listed below are still in detention and the state is yet to prefer charges against many of them. This is up to the 1 of June 2008. Courtesy FOROYAA Newspaper 30 May- 1 June 2008.

Journalist Ebrima Manneh a senior journalist with the pro-government paper, Daily Obersaver News paper, was arrested by the state security agents since 7 July 2006 at his office in Bakau.He is still at large.

Kanyiba Kanyi, a staff of the Christian Children Fund (CCF) was arrested since 18 September 2006, at his home at Bonto, Kombo East, in Western Region. His lawyer had field a suit in the High court in 2006 against the Inspector General of Police, Director General of National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Attorney General asking the court to compel them to produce him. The state continued denying having him under their custody. The issue is still being battled in court.

Momodou Limin Nyassi, a former chief of Foni Kansala,

Buba Sanyang and Ndongo Mboob, all resident and natives of Foni Bwiam, are reported to have been arrested since April 2006. Family sources said they could not establish their whereabouts.

Haruna Jammeh and Jasaga Kujabie, all from Foni Kanilai are said to be in detention since 2005.

Alfusainey Jammeh a prison warden and a native of Kanilai in Foni, is also said to be in detention since 2006.

Alieu Lowe, a resident of Fagikunda, arrested in connection to the 21 March 2006 coup plot, is still said to be detained in Mile Two Prison.

Abdoulie Njie a civilian, arrested shortly after the 21 Mach 2006 abortive coup plot, is believe to be detained at Mile Two Prison.

Marabout Hamadi Sowe was arrested and charge with treason in connection to the March 21, 2006, failed coup plot. In late 2006, the state announces its intention to withdraw charges against him, but it never materialized. His trial is now expected to commence again in June.

Sergeant Sam Kambai, of The Gambia National Army is said to be in detention since 2006, at Mile Two Prison.

Alexandra Gibba, a former spokesperson for the MFDC rebel movement in cassamance in shountern Senegal was not too long ago seen in the company of MFDC rebel, who were later charge and convicted, but he is yet to be charge.

Keebba Secka, a National Intelligence Agency operative, who was arrested on or about 14 of May 2007, is still in detention at Mile Two Prison.

Ebou Jarju, a cook at State House, arrested on March 2008, is alleged to be detained at Police Head Quarters in Banjul.Jarjue was said to have been pick up by men in a white pickup vehicle, after he was order to vacate the State premises he was occupying with his family.

Banta Kaira and Dodou Jobe, both businessmen, was arrested since 28 April 2008. It is believed that both men are detained in Mile Two Prison.

Former Crime Management Coordinator, Police Commissioner, Burma Dibba and Former Serious Crime Commander, Assistant Superintendent of police Ebrima KunjiJammeh, were both arrested on 30 April 2008, and are still in detention at Mile Two Prison.

Mr. Bakary Gassama, the Financial Director of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) who was arrested in mid May 2008, is still in detention. All most all these people are kept in-communicado. Their Families and love ones lamented that they could not establish their place of detention, even though they have made frantic efforts to locate them. Their families also lamented that they are not aware of any charges against them. They are still languishing in detention.