President Adama Barrow Monday agreed to drop a civil lawsuit against The Voice newspaper after meeting with representatives from the Gambian media.
The delegation, which included members of the Gambia Press Union, the Media Council of the Gambia, the Newspaper Publishers Association, and the Women Journalists Association, met with the President to discuss their concerns over the legal cases facing journalists from The Voice.
In response to the media delegation’s appeal, President Barrow announced his decision to withdraw his civil suit, reaffirming his commitment to safeguarding freedom of expression and supporting the role of the media in upholding democracy and rule of law.
Mr. Barrow emphasised that neither he nor his administration aims to prosecute journalists, reinforcing his stance on respecting press freedom in the Gambia.
President Barrow encouraged journalists to adhere to professional ethics and prioritise accurate reporting, stressing the need for responsible journalism to maintain national stability.
His decision to end the civil case was met with approval by the media representatives, who regarded it as a significant move towards fostering a positive environment for press freedom under Barrow’s leadership.
The management of The Voice also expressed appreciation for the President’s gesture, acknowledging any inconvenience their publication may have caused.
Both parties emphasised the importance of a strong, cooperative relationship between the government and the media as essential partners in the country’s development.
