Magistrate Buba Jawo of the Kanifing Magistrates Court on Wednesday 4th April granted bail to the detained US-based Gambian Fatou Jaw Manneh. The bail sum was set at D25, 000. 00 and the requirement of a Gambian surety. Ms. Jaw Manneh, a pro-democracy activist and frequent writer for internet publications, was arrested shortly after she arrived at the Banjul International Airport. She had been living in the United States for about ten years after having worked for the Daily Observer newspaper. She had been a day earlier on Tuesday, charged with multiple counts of alleged sedition.
The details of the charges are that Ms. Jaw Manneh committed offence “acting with seditious intention to publication of seditious words and publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm to the public.” Though she has been granted bail, her travel documents are to remain in the custody of the authorities, Magistrate Jawo ruled. The case was adjourned till the 11th April when she is expected to appear defended by Lawyer Lamin Camara.