IGP Mamour Jobe thanked the delegation and informed them that he
convened the “frank family meeting” to discuss events surrounding Madi
Jobarteh’s arrest and some other issues relating to the media.
IGP Jobe said that Mr. Jobarteh was granted a permit to protest for the murder of George Floyd and two other Gambians who were shot by police in the United States. Mr. Jobarteh was interviewed during this process and made reference to three cases; Kebba Secka, Haruna Jatta and Ousman Joof citing them as police brutality cases which needs to be investigated. According to the IGP all the reference statements Mr. Jobarteh made were false.
“We felt he had offended the law and that provision was there to judge” IGP
Jobe said. He quickly added that with the with the intervention of the civil
society organizations and the National Human Rights Commission they were able
to settle the case amicably.
He also raised concerns over personal attacks/insults on social media and some unprofessional programs media houses air. He called on the Union to engage some of the media proprietors and talk to them about the manner they produce these contents.
“When we stop seeing each other as brothers, sisters, cousins and not as
adversaries then we will progress” nothing can’t be done without dialogue.
Mr.Jammeh reminded the gathering that the Ecowas Court of justice urged
The Gambia government to remove bad media laws from our constitution because it
is not good for a democracy.
He said the police are been selective in their work, stating that GPU
has complained about 7 assaults on journalists and none of these incidents were
investigated and since then 14 incidents has happened. just last month one
happened. We are ready to work with you, we are ready to intensive the
dialogue
Salieu Taal President Gambia Bar Association said the laws are there to
serve Society. “Any unnecessary restriction of freedom of expression will make
a mockery of our democracy”. He further urged the police to exercise a bit more
patience particularly with regards to anything outside incitement.
Mr Ebrima Bah from the office of the IGP, in his closing remarks thanked
the officials for coming, he has created the platform to encourage people to
talk and assured them that the IGP’s doors will always be open, to him