The Gambia’s human rights under scrutiny: Rights groups raise concerns

Thumbs Down: Rights groups say human rights situation in Gambia “shrinking” (Photo Credit: MSJoof/TNBES/FPI)

By Modou S. Joof

The press freedom and free expression advocacy agency, ARTICLE 19, has raised concerns at Gambia’s “shrinking” human rights record Tuesday.

The Gambia, a small West African country which is no stranger to criticisms over rights abuses by human rights groups, opposition parties and journalists, is today (October 28, 2014) appearing before UN Human Rights Council for its Universal Periodic Review (UPR).

A statement from the multinational rights group says it calls for concerted regional and international efforts to “stop the violent repression against free voices and end impunity.”

Nana Grey-Johnson axed 4 months after presiding over ‘draconian’ internet law

Former Information Minister Nana Grey-Johnson told local journalists in May it is not safe to “misspeak” (Photo Credit: Modou S. Joof/Globe/FPI)

By Modou S. Joof

The Gambia’s Minister of Information Nana Grey-Johnson has been axed by President Yahya Jammeh on Tuesday, four months after he presided over the enactment of a widely-condemned internet law.

Typical of the regime, a news release broadcast on State-TV on November 26 indicated Mr Grey-Johnson’s sacking with immediate effect, without further explanation. His replacement is yet to be announced, Mr Jammeh had in the past had the ministry under his office.

Grey-Johnson, a veteran journalist, shocked the media fraternity in The Gambia and international rights groups on July 3, 2013 when he presided over parliament’s enactment of an adjusted version of the 2009 Information and Communication Act.

‘Internet law furthers crackdown on free expression’

ARTICLE19 calls on the UN and ACHPR Special Rapporteurs on Freedom of Expression to urge the Gambian government to repeal this law and all other laws that unduly restrict expression in the country. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By FPI

The global press freedom and free expression watchdog, ARTICLE 19, has condemned The Gambia’s adoption of an internet law which it said “furthers Government crackdown on freedom of expression”.

The July 3, 2013 Information and Communication (amendment) Act 2013 severely restricts the right to freedom of expression on the internet, criminalising online speech, ARTICLE19 said on Wednesday.

“The newly adopted law is the latest attempt by the Gambian authorities to stifle dissent in a country that already has some of the harshest laws on the right to freedom of expression in Africa,” says Aliou Niane, ARTICLE 19 Programme Officer Safety and Security West Africa.