Tuesday 28 January 2020


The National Human Rights Commission, The Gambia
PRESS RELEASE
NHRC/PR/27012020/(05)
27 January 2020

Violent Clashes Between 3 Years Jotna Concerned Citizens and the Police Intervention Unit on 26th January 2020.
The NHRC received with great concern news of violent clashes between members of the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) and 3 Years Jotna Concerned Citizens on Sunday 26th January 2020.

The NHRC is informed that a number of protestors and PIU officials were injured, 137 arrested and the operational the license of two FM radio Stations suspended.

The NHRC in its Press Release dated 14th January 2020, following two meetings with executive members of the 3 Year Jotna Concerned Citizens and the Inspector General of Police and some members of his a senior team on January 9th, expressed its concern regarding the tension that was already brewing between the two bodies.

Unfortunately, the incident on the 26th January confirmed the fears raised by the NHRC, that if the misunderstanding was not addressed, it may lead to public order.

The violence of this nature must be avoided at all costs. The NHRC stands by its statement published on 14th January 2020 and indulges both the law enforcement agencies, the 3 years Jotna Concerned Citizens and any other entity to exercise restraint and abide by the law.

In this regard, the NHRC is requesting that all those who are arrested are accorded due process as stipulated under Sections 17 and 19 of the 1997 Constitution; those injured are afforded the right medical treatment; and that the government reconsiders its decision to suspend the licenses of Brikama-based Home Digital FM and Tallingding Kunjang-based King FM radio stations.

The NHRC reiterates that as a nation, everybody abides by the rule of law and due process to prevent anarchy and lawlessness in the country. The NHRC also reminds the State and its agents that they are the primary duty bearers who have the obligation to respect, protect and fulfill the fundamental rights of everyone living within its jurisdiction. Everyone also has the responsibility to build a peaceful and prosperous Gambia where human rights are respected and enjoyed by everyone.

The NHRC will closely monitor the situation to ensure that human rights standards are observed and maintained.

_________________
Emmanuel Daniel Joof
Chairperson NHRC

Contact
Name: Isatou Njai Cham
Director of Communications and Media
The Gambia National Human Rights Commission
National Secretariat, P. O. Box 2858, Kotu (opp. DSTV),
The Gambia
Tel: (220) 3353107; 3353106; 3353110
Email: es@gm-nhrc.org; Website: www.gm-nhrc.org

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