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.”

‘Japan shows more respect for Africa’

Jammeh suggests that Japanese companies establish more businesses in Africa. Independent observers say Japan is trying to break into an economic emerging Africa, where China, America and Europe are the leading trade and development cooperation partners. (Photo Credit: SEYLLOU/AFP/2011)

The West is saying a ‘bunch of rubbish’

“Yes, I am a dictator, yes, but what I have done in eighteen years in this country the British could not do it in a million years,” Gambian President Yahya Jammeh said. (Photo Credit: Wikipedia)

Trial of journalist Jobe fails to proceed again, witness is ‘sick’

Daily Observer Editor Alagie Jobe has been in State custody since his arrest in February 2013

By Modou S. Joof

The criminal trial against Alagie Jobe, Deputy Editor of the pro-government Daily Observer newspaper has been moved to May 7, 2013 after it failed to proceed once again on Tuesday.

The Kanifing Magistrates Court, which is presiding over the case, was told on April 30 that “first prosecution witness Jawor Darboe is sick”.

Exactly a week ago, the trial could not proceed after it was announced that the police officer has traveled out of The Gambia.

Jobe is facing seven criminal charges including sedition. He has pleaded not guilty since March 12 this year when he first appeared at the lower court.

On Tuesday, Magistrate Hilary Abeke, presiding, was told State prosecutor A.M Yusuf sent an SMS (short message on mobile phone) to defence counsel Seega Gaye that he would not be in court because the first prosecution witness Jawor Darboe is sick.

Trial against Gambian journalist rescheduled

Daily Observer Editor Alagie Jobe has been in State custody since his arrest in February 2013

Denied Bail Once More

By Modou S. Joof

A criminal trial brought against the Deputy Editor-In-Chief of the Daily Observer, Alagie Jobe which was due to continue on April 22, 2013 has been moved to April 30.

The trial suffered setback after the Kanifing Magistrates Court was told the first prosecution witness Jawor Darboe is out of jurisdiction.

Alagie Jobe is facing seven criminal charges, the most serious of which, is sedition.

He is being tried alongside Mbaye Bittaye, an employee of the mobile telephony company, Africell, who is charged with “unlawful inquiries relating to possibility of forgery”. Both have pleaded their innocence since March 12 this year when they first appeared at the lower court.

On Tuesday, Magistrate Hilary Abeke, presiding, adjourned the trial till April 30.

He had earlier questioned the whereabouts of Alagie Jobe who was conspicuously absent in Court. However, Jobe’s defence counsel Ebrima Jah referred Magistrate Abeke to the state counsel, A.M. Yusuf.