Police in the Gambia have for the third time extended the bail of an activist who was
charged last week with publishing and broadcasting false news.
According to Jobarteh, police prosecutor said they have sent their opinion on the case to the Inspector General of Police, Mamour Jobe, to consider whether to go ahead with a criminal prosecution.
Mr Jobarteh has remained defiant and said he will report back to the police station with an ‘exceptionally unbowed, unshakable and joyous spirit and determination’ and is prepared more than ever to stand in court.
“This is a battle for the Republic that is owned and controlled by citizens where the Government is created by, and act according to opinion of the people,” he wrote on his Facebook page.
He added: “What is happening in The Gambia has to stop. We are a Republic hence the citizens should enjoy security, freedom, justice and equality. Without that then we are either slaves or imbeciles or foreigners in our own land.
“The purpose of Government is nothing but to secure for us our security, freedom, justice and equality. Hence we cannot have a Republic in which the Government preys on us like meat. We must not allow to live in fear in our own motherland anymore just because there is a Government that could prance on us at anytime as if we are animals.
“As a Democratic Republic the Government is created according to the opinion of the people. It is through the expression of our opinions that citizens hold the Government accountable. Hence in a Democratic Republic no citizen should be held liable for her opinions so long as such opinion is not a hate speech or directly and purposely inciting violence!
“After all we have in this country so many times when elected and appointed public officials blatantly, shamelessly and stupidly lie to us as if they are talking to stones! The evidence of that is uncountable.
“Yet by law all elected and appointed public officials are required to only speak the truth and fact when they speak to citizens. But the lies that come out of the Mouth of Government are uncountable. But what happens to these officials when they lie to us? In our face!
“Why should we allow therefore that as a citizen you get hounded like a dog by the Government just because you spoke your opinion – an opinion that is in fact true and honest?
“These elected and appointed public officials are our servants! They must not harm us. They are not our lords. They do not own this country. They are mere servants to serve, protect and deliver. The power and tools they have are derived from and belong to and must be used to serve only citizens.
“For 22 odd years we had an evil regime that used our power and tools to harm and torment us. If you are a conscious, dignified and patriotic citizen then stand against the abuse of power by elected and appointed public officials! Now. Never Again.
“Refuse to be scared or hounded and suppressed for your opinion! Speak your opinion about the Government and no one has the authority to deny or torment you for your opinion.
“You have a right to speak about the Government anyhow – positively or negative, honestly or falsely, favourably or not favourably. It’s your opinion and anyone who disagrees with your opinion can also express a counter opinion. But no peaceful, nonviolent opinion should be criminalized.”
