UDP leader A.N.M. Ousainou Darboe has strongly criticized Inspector General of Police (IGP) Seedy Touray, accusing him of using the police to pursue personal political interests.
Speaking to thousands of supporters after his return from a tour of Europe and the US, Darboe condemned the charges brought against Musa Sheriff, Editor-In-Chief of The Voice newspaper, and journalist Momodou Justice Darboe, who were accused of spreading false information.
Darboe questioned the basis of the charges, arguing that the claims regarding President Adama Barrow preparing a successor in the NPP do not constitute a crime, as they do not harm the country.
He drew parallels to the dictatorship of former President Yahya Jammeh, suggesting that such actions mark the return of repression in The Gambia. Darboe further implied that IGP Touray’s actions are motivated by personal ties to Barrow, as Barrow’s sister is married to Touray.
He called on Touray to withdraw the charges, claiming they undermine the police’s reputation. Instead, Darboe advised Barrow to pursue the matter through a civil defamation case if necessary.
Darboe expressed solidarity with the journalists, urging them not to aapologise asserting that they have broken no laws.
He also criticised Barrow’s previous statement that he had never imprisoned anyone, pointing out that detaining individuals deprives them of liberty, which is effectively imprisonment.
