A Gambian activist who was invited for questioning this afternoon by Kairaba Police has been charged with false publication and broadcasting.
Madi Jobarteh was summoned to the office of Deputy Police Commissioner Pateh Bah and asked to clarify some remarks he made to the media last Saturday during a Black Lives Matter protest outside the American Embassy about the killings of Haruna Jatta, Kebba Secka and Ousman Darboe by security officials in the Gambia.
“I told him I don’t have to justify or explain my opinion especially to the State,” said during a phone conversation with other Gambian activists.
” I told him that if the police disagree let them issue a statement to refute my claims. He said no they won’t do that and I was violating their rights for saying my opinion.
“I told him if there is no more questions I want to leave. He then asked his officers to block my from going. He said I have to write a statement and i refused. He said by force I have to write a statement.
” They have now blocked me from leaving. I asked him if I was under arrest and he said no. Therefore I take it as kidnapping!
” Now they have charged me for false publication and broadcasting. Am effectively under arrest in the police.”
