Six Gambian Journalists Jailed For 2 Years Each!!!

As Judge Ordered For Their Imprisonment

The High Court Thursday sentenced the six Gambian journalists, accused of defaming President Yahya Jammeh. The men who started serving their sentences in earnest  today, were escorted to prison by armed prison guards.  The presiding judge sentenced the accused persons to 2 years with hard labor.

The jailed journalists are:  Emil Touray, secretary general; Sarata Jabbi Dibba, vice president and Pa Modou Faal, treasurer; Pap Saine, Point’s publisher, Ebrima Sawaneh, Point Edior, The Point’s publisher and  Sam Sarr, an editor,  with the Foroyaa newspaper.

All the accused persons were found guilty as charged. The judge said the prosecution had proven its case beyond all reasonable doubts.  Here is the  breakdown of the sentences:

Count 1 - 2 year prison term. D250,000

Count 2 - A fine of Dalasis 250,000 (US$10,000)

Count 3 - A fine of Dalasis 250,000

Count 4 - 2 year prison term D250,000

Count 5 - 2 year prison term D250,000

Count 6 - 2 year prison term. D250,000

The sentences were to run concurrently according to the judge. The journalists looked worried shortly after the verdict was handed. They were all jailed.

Meanwhile, the Freedom Newspaper has gathered that the accused persons were unable to meet the exorbitant fines.  Families could be seen crying, while the men were being escorted to prison.

The accused persons had14 days to file an appeal. The Appeal Court is empowered to overturn the judge’s decision. The latest verdict is being seen as a major blow against press freedom in The Gambia. Many journalists are likely to quit their profession for fear of being arrested, or jailed.

The country's leading journalists have been jailed. One of the jailed journalists Pap Saine is suffering from heart problems. Mr. Saine's poor health condition is likely to worsen if not given urgen attention.

Meanwhile, the fate of the Point Newspaper is uncertain. The jailing of Pap Saine, and Editor Ebrima Sawaneh is likely to undermine the operations of the paper. Local staffers are worried about the future of the Point.