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
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