WADEMOS is worried that the application of this draconian law will force the Gambian media into self-censorship and that the weaponization of the judiciary to close the civic space will significantly limit the media’s ability to effectively carry out their constitutional mandate of holding the government and public officials accountable.
As a solidarity Network, WADEMOS calls for an immediate end to the defamation suits brought by notable officials of the Gambian government against Musa Sheriff and The Voice newspaper, as well as against reporter Kebba Ansu Manneh and The Alkamba Times. Additionally, the Network calls for an end to the criminal trial of Musa Sheriff and Momodou Justice Darboe of The Voice newspaper on charges of false publication. Finally, the Network calls for an end to all similar civil and criminal proceedings brought against the Gambian press and media.
These laws and proceedings contradict the pledge by the Barrow administration to the people to protect their freedoms and uphold democratic values following the transition from Jammeh’s dictatorship. WADEMOS advises the government to focus on strengthening the country’s democratic institutions and building citizens’ resilience to entrench its newfound democracy.
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