UDP condemns police brutality on protesters, arrests, closure of radio stations

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By PA ABLIE CORR

The United Democratic Party (UDP) has strongly condemned Sunday brawl between the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) and the anti-government protesters referred to as 3 Years Jotna.

“We observed with great concern the events of January 26, 2020 between the security forces and members/supporters of the 3 Years Jotna Movement in the strongest terms possible,” a dispatched from the party secretariat at 1 Rene Blain Street in Banjul states.

UDP they are known for their respect for human rights, tolerance and adherence to freedom of expression and assembly; as demonstrated by its conduct over the past 25 years, and are therefore, strongly condemning the disproportionate use of force and acts of violence against innocent protesters who were engaged in exercising their democratic rights to protest under a permit issued by the Inspector General of Police.

“We took note of graphic images of Gambians being brutalised by personnel of the Police Intervention Unit (PIU). This included the beating of female protesters already arrested. The UDP urges those who continue to advocate and claim to be supporters of women’s rights to review their positions in view of the mistreatment of innocent female protesters,” the statement reads.

It continued to describe the closure of media houses as unacceptable, saying the Minister of Information is not privy to any decision taken to close these media houses.

“We condemn this action on the part of the police and urge government to reopen these radio stations immediately. The arbitrary closure of media houses and arrest of journalists was the hallmark of the Jammeh administration,” says the release.

The release revealed that arrested individuals were denied access to legal advice and family visits; and some of the arrested individuals require medical attention, and are denied their rights adding his is reminiscent of the Jammeh-era excesses.

The political party made reference to media footages that showed a young man who lost his teeth and was bleeding profusely as a result of violence alleged by the PIU.

“These are not the kind of images and type of actions Gambians expect to see post-2016, neither is this change Gambians voted for in December 2016.”

UDP called on the government to observe the principles of the rule of law and cooperate with the Human Rights Commission to conduct an enquiry into why a peaceful and lawful demonstration was violently disrupted.

“We equally appeal to all citizens to exercise restraint and observe the rule of law in the exercise of their rights in the interest of peace and national security,” the release concludes.