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Gambia News : Gambian court frees opposition leader
A Gambian court on Thursday freed opposition leader Halifa Sallah and dropped charges of spying and inciting hatred against the government, a judge announced.
"I want to put it to the court that all the charges against mister Halifa Sallah have been dropped. This is an executive order," judge Olagbutu Kayode said, without any further explanation.
Sallah, leader of the main opposition National Alliance for Democracy and Development, was released and returned home.
The order came after Gambia came under international criticism for witch hunts allegedly backed by authorities.
Sallah, who also regularly contributes to the Foroyaa independent weekly, was arrested on March 9 and charged after visiting a village to interview people about the witch hunts.
He was accused of spying, organising an unlawful assembly and collecting information that would bring hatred, contempt or incite disaffection on the government, but all of the charges have been dropped, Kayode said.
On Wednesday, Amnesty International reported on the witch hunts, saying that more than 1,000 people were kidnapped before being taken to secret detention centres and forced to drink hallucinogenic concoctions.
The witch hunters who carry out the rituals are backed by police and security forces, Amnesty and police sources said.
The group said that the hallucinogenic drinks had caused many to suffer serious kidney problems. At least two people were known to have died.
On Wednesday a police source told AFP that many officers were unhappy with the witch hunt but said it was "an order from the top" and they were afraid to lose their jobs if they failed to cooperate.
In the past few weeks, Foroyaa has been one of the few papers in Gambia writing about the bizarre witch hunt which observers say is causing many Gambian villagers to flee to urban areas or neighbouring Senegal.
Media watchdogs say journalists are routinely harassed and arrested by police and there has been a string of trials and convictions of journalists for giving false information or sedition.
Jammeh's political opponents also find themselves subjected to daily rights violations including torture and unlawful arrests, according to an Amnesty International report published last year.
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- as I am writing this message, i feel very sad and angry that I have to make up a fake name to express my feelings even though I happen to be very far from my hometown The Gambia. Yahya should at least own up to what he is.. he is a Tyrant,
(Posted on April 3, 2009, 5:06 PM haddijatou)
- My friends can you remember samuel doe,leurent kabila,many other dictators and last nino viera of guinnes bissau,they where all eliminated from there own products and elements and yaya ajj jammeh one is coming and trust me,his will be worst than samuel doe,i pray that the international courts gets him first,like charles tailor,before he falls on the hands of the Gambian people.
And his boys around him we dont forget you guys,things will change,just like one army officer currently in jail said,prison belongs to anyone,he is right.
(Posted on March 29, 2009, 5:43 AM A sanyang)
- My advise to yaya jammeh is for him to go on his own or face the consicuence on the ground.
His worst mistake was to arrest Mr Halifa Sallah at the first place and now these arrest on others are still going on,and he was very very lucky to release Mr sallah quickly,and God knows maybe he feels it too.
But now he starts the real fight and brought it to Gambian peoples door steps,and peopl, his next real sucide is to arrest Mr sallah again,that would be the last day he will be in office.
We keep watching
(Posted on March 29, 2009, 5:20 AM S bah)
- this is the kinda guy we should have as our president. i am so glad. he is educated and the is just the right one who should run the , we need people like him who what to do and what good for our country. thank god u alright and am praying for u to run run the country one day . may god bless u and your family...
(Posted on March 26, 2009, 4:45 PM ramou)
- My fellow Gambian brothers and sisters SIR HALLIFA SALLAH triumphantly release out of prison was not as a result of 1 million dalasi,2 brigadir general,inspector general or alkalo,orderd by the court.
But believing in the truth and nothing but the truth,which is the fundermental pillers of a true man and politician,that we all love cheer and admare,a very lovely and homble man who has dedicated his whole life for the Gambian people and most the needy and poor,he pursued the truth and was ready to stick to the end and the people supported him.
Gambians must learn this important lesson, pursue the truth to the end and victory shall be yours.
Not even the best lawyer in the world can convince any reasonable and judicious court that Halifa Sallah was engaged in any thing other than pursuing what is lawful, just and enlightening.
The prosecution told the court that they were withdrawing the charges in the interest of peace and justice. They should also take note that it is in the interest of peace and justice that they work closely with investigators of crimes to track down and prosecute the bandits who are tormenting the lives of the people in the name of hunting for witches and wizards. So long as these criminals are allowed to continue with their activities it would be meaningless to talk about peace and justice.
And we wish MR SALLAH all the best in life,with good health and may his and our dreams one day come true.
And as you always stay in course and stand for the gambian people,keep it up in high spirit,we always pray for you and our loveones back home.
GOD BLESS.
(Posted on March 24, 2009, 2:54 AM mr njie)
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