Freed King FM manager fears Gambia plunging into another dictatorship

1,233

By SHERIFF SAIDYKHAN

Gibbi Jallow, manager of King FM in Tallinding, Kanifing Municipality who was freed two days after detention in police custody, has expressed fear of Gambia plunging into another dictatorship.

He was arrested with two of his staff Ebrima Jallow and Madiou Jallow when they were on duties at the radio during the anti-demonstration staged by 3 Years Jotna movement on Sunday, January 26, 2020.

Their arrest came on the same day with Pa Modou Bojang, proprietor of Home Digital FM who was picked up from his radio station in Brikama, Western Region, West Coast Region.

”We are still faced with the same dictatorial environment of the past. The arrest will not intimidate me to do my work as a journalist. We were detained at the Anti-Crime Unit together with some 3 Years Jotna protesters. I don’t still know the reason behind the shutdown of my radio station, but we are waiting for investigation.”

Jallow said that the country seems to be heading back to dark days of dictatorship characterised by disregard for rule of law and the continual suppression of the press.

He was speaking to waiting Journalists at Old Yundum police station shortly after his released from detention together with three Journalists, charged with inciting of violence.

He lauded the Gambia Press Union (GPU) and journalists for the show of solidarity, stating that they were not subjected to any form of physical torture whilst in detention.

“The police were friendly and hospitable. We are not physically beaten whilst in detention. I further thanked the Press Union and colleagues for their great support and solidarity. I think we are still living in the same environment from the dictatorial past.”

Gibbi reiterated that the arrest will not intimidate him to do his work, adding that the recent attack on journalists and the press is a replica of the acts during the repressive rule under former President Yahya Jammeh’s government.