Gambia media crackdown: Two radios shutdown, four journalists arrested, detained

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By SULAYMAN WAAN & OUSMAN A. MARONG

The Gambian media have on Sunday suffered major crackdown under President Adama Barrow led government as two radio stations were shut down, four journalists arrested and detained amidst protest by the just banned 3 Years Jotna.

Pa Mpdou Bojang proprietor of Home Digital FM, Gibbi Jallow, manager of King FM and two of his presenters are all in police custody.

Though the reason for Pa Modou Bojang’s arrest remains unclear but the police took over his radio station in Brikama in a move described as ‘execution of a shutdown order.’

He was first reported to have been taken to the Brusubi police station and later transferred to Police Intervention Unit (PIU) headquarters in Kanifing.

Gibbi Jallow of King FM was detained at the Bundung police and now transferred to Anti-Crime Unit office in Bijilo together with two of his presenters.

Sources said Jallow was arrested along with two other staff of King FM who were on duties

Home Digital FM and King FM radio stations were forced off the airwaves by government through the PIU of The Gambia Police Forces.

In a facebook update, Saikou Jammeh, Secretary General of Gambia Press Union (GPU) said the government announces ban on anti-government protesters called 3-Years-Jotna; and more shockingly, appear to warn the media from any presentation of divergent views on this matter in its press release issued in reaction to disturbances today,.

Jammeh said the government has also come out to confirm and justify the arrest of the four journalists currently under the custody of the police and the closure of two radio stations – King FM and Home Digital FM.

He disclosed that the Union will convene a press conference on Monday at 11:00 am at the GPU offices to react to issues and to announce actions that are to be undertaken to challenge orders that are apparently illegal and actions that are condemnable.