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Momodou
Denmark
11828 Posts |
 Posted - 30 May 2006 : 12:27:59
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FREEDOM DISMISSES OBSERVER REPORTS
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Pa Nderry Mbai, the editor and publisher of the online Freedom Newspaper, has dismissed reports carried on the Daily Observer editions of 25th and 26th May describing the reports as “Malicious.”
The Daily Observer on Friday published several names of people they claim are informants of Pa Nderry Mbai. The report also alleged that Pa Nderry had joined the APRC.
According to a statement posted on the Freedom Newspaper website. “There is no iota of truth in the Observer story.” Details of his reaction are included in this article.
Reaction of The Police
Meanwhile, a press release issued by the Police has called on all those whose names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses appeared in the Daily Observer, May 25th edition, to report to the nearest police station within twenty-four hours.
Below is the full text of the press release:
1. Following Pa Nderry Mbai’s declaration on Tuesday 23rd May 2006 that he has decided to stop producing his online Freedom Newspaper, and subsequent revelation of his sources of information, the general public is hereby informed that the security services are in possession of the full list of persons who continuously supplied him (Pa Nderry) with information, which he used to castigate and vilify the democratically elected government of His Excellency President Dr. Alh Yahya AJ.J. Jammeh.
2. Consequently, all those whose names, addresses, telephone numbers and E-Mail addresses appear in the said list and published in the Daily Observer New Paper edition of Thursday 25th May 2006, are hereby urged to report to the nearest Police Station within twenty- four hours.
3. Failure to comply will result in immediate arrest and prosecution.
4. The cooperation of the general public is highly solicited.
Pa Nderry Mbai’s Reaction
Pa Nderry Mbai’s reaction to the allegations was sharp and critical. Below is an edited version of his letter, which he published in Freedom Newspaper and copied to Daily Observer, The Point, Foroyaa and other online media managed by Gambians.
My fellow Gambians and friends of The Gambia,
As the founding editor and publisher of the Freedom Newspaper, I her by once again categorically dismiss reports by the Daily Observer Newspaper, that I[have] joined the Ruling APRC. Such reports are not only outrageous, but also malicious. There is no iota of truth into the Observer story.
Our newspaper is functioning despite efforts by the Jammeh “hired hackers” to ground it. The list of the Freedom Newspaper subscribers published by the Daily Observer was not from our end and the aim for such misinformation was calculated to deceive and mislead Gambians.
The Daily Observer, will be held responsible for exposing the names of our subscribers on the world [wide] web. The Freedom Newspaper and its editorial staff are not a party to such unethical conduct. The Daily Observer had not only invaded the privacies of our subscribers, but had openly lied that the Freedom Newspaper’s publisher joined the APRC. This paper will take the necessary legal measures to remedy the situation. We are talking to our lawyers to see how best we can drag the Daily Observer and The Gambian government to court. All those involved in this “cyber black mailing” will pay for the price. The Freedom Newspaper is determined to exploit all legal remedies to ensure that those responsible for the exposing of the contact details of our subscribers face the law.
By this letter, we want to assure the Gambian public and our dear subscribers that Pa Nderry M’Bai, has no intentions of joining the APRC and will never join it. Pa Nderry is too civilized to join a party, which abused the rights and liberties of Gambians with impunity. We are resolute and no amount of blackmailing will shake us. They said that Pa Nderry had ceased publishing the Freedom Newspaper, which is untrue. You can read our leading online paper at this link: www.freedomnewspaper.com The Daily Observer and The Gambia government owe an unconditional apology to Pa Nderry M’Bai and the Freedom Newspaper. This might minimize the high profile legal battle that awaits them.
We are not taking this matter lightly. The Daily Observer exposes our subscribers to great risk, knowing how hostile the Jammeh government is. It was erroneous for the Daily Observer to imply that the subscribers were our ‘informants.” This is totally false. If their attempt is to provoke us to reveal the names of our dependable sources, they will miserably fail. As journalists, we are duty bound to protect our sources. No amount of provocation will compel us to discuss or reveal our sources.
I’m an independent journalist and do not have any ties with any political party in The Gambia. I hate to be associated with Jammeh’s undemocratic government. It is an insult for anyone to associate me with a government that had subjected me over the years to endless persecution. If the Jammeh government is short of party supporters, it should not use Pa Nderry’s name for political gains are right before your eyes and not the list of subscribers published by the Observer. None of our editorial staff members have spoken to these subscribers. They are mere readers and not sources as stated by the Daily Observer. We therefore wish to apologise to our subscribers for any discomfort the Daily Observer story might have caused to them. The Freedom Newspaper condemns this Observer madness in the strongest terms.
It is imperative to note that the so-called hackers penetrated my personal email account and not the host main server, which is how they obtained my password to have access to the site. Investigations are going on and once it is completed the public will be informed.
On a final note, our sources are assured of their fullest protection. The Freedom Newspaper will never violate the confidentiality of “journalist and sources”. Together, we can expose tyranny and dictatorship in The Gambia. We count on your support and encouragement. We rest our case.
Attempts to talk to the editor-in-chief of the Daily Observer before going to press proved unsuccessful.
Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 41/2006, 29-31 May 2006
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11828 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2006 : 17:17:32
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OBSERVER MD DECLINES TO COMMENT
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The managing director of the Daily Observer, Dr. Saja Taal, has declined to comment on the saga involving his paper and the editor and publisher of the Freedom Newspaper, Pa Nderry M'bai.
Dr. Taal, however, ranted at our reporter, who went to interview him on Monday at his office, shouting: "Why do you think I am interested about this!!"
Consequently, this reporter who was not interested in any quarrel or trouble simply gave his back to the shouting director and went his way.
Earlier on Saturday, 27th May, in a telephone conversation, Dr. Taal rejected an interview on the Observer/Freedom debacle. Efforts to talk to the editor-in-chief of the Daily Observer are still proving fruitless.
It could be recalled that on the 25th and 26th of May, the Daily Observer published reports that Pa Nderry M'bai, the editor and publisher of the Freedom Newspaper, had exposed his informants and shut his paper down. Pa Nderry, however, has denied these claims.
There is no need for a quarell between FOROYAA and The Daily Observer. FOROYAA was only interested in clarifying an issue of national concern that The Daily Observer published.
Source:Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 42/2006, 1 June - 4 June, 2006 |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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LEMON TIME
Afghanistan
1295 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2006 : 18:20:45
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| thanks Momodou for this informations,lets unite to fight for FREEDOM in THE GAMBIA |
There is no god but Allah |
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taalibeh
Gambia
336 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2006 : 22:14:32
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| Taal is feeling so ashamed I guess that he does not want to give an interview on this issue. He has dented his reputation for ever. A day will come when you will feel very lonely in the Gambia. |
Taalibeh |
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Dembish
Gambia
284 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2006 : 22:30:40
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| Saja Taal has successfully made himself a laughing stock by allowing such rubbish to be published at the first place.This shows that the daily observer is a campaigning tool of APRC.But power corrupts and absolute power corrupts immensely. |
There is no egg without a chicken, and no chicken without egg. |
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taalibeh
Gambia
336 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jun 2006 : 11:54:35
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I wonder what he hoped to achieve by publishing this list. After all this was illegally retrieved and the observer should have distanced itself away from all things illegal for the moral high ground. If the observer is an organ that contributes to mass education then some decent standared should be enshrined in their processes.
There are far more important and significant issues about the country that should be addressed ahead of people merely trying to satisfy their information needs. After all what is there in our constitution that prohibits anyone from seeking information or associating with whatever news organisation they deem fit?
Thank God that the masses have realised their ploy to discredit and smear entities and people. |
Taalibeh |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2006 : 23:00:07
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Hi guys :
Yesterday I put up a piece from allGambia to this forum about an alleged conspirator of Pa Nderry Mbai , who testified against Pa Nderry. However ,someone removed that piece apparently in an attempt to interfere with emergence of truth in this scandal.
It appears that everyone sides with Pa Nderry , but the testimony of this alleged accomplice should make us stop for a second before making judgment.Certainly , we do not want to side with unscrupulous people.
Let justice guide our actions ; and censorship is terribly wrong.
Thanks. |
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Janyanfara
Tanzania
1350 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2006 : 23:09:29
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This is indeed interesting Kejatta.We ought to read this report to esterblish the truth.But what ever, the truth shall prevail and nothing can hide it cause it is so hot to hide.
Mankajang |
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patrick
Gambia
22 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jun 2006 : 00:53:54
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| Guys, I wonder what Pa Nderry will benefit from trying to endanger the lives of so many Gambians. Guys it is high time we put aside our political difference and hatred for each other and we come to support each other in the times of need. What is happening to Mr Mye can happen to any one of us. This in my opinion, is no doubt the work of the APRC tugs who are bent to create confussion within our midst. It is, to my opinion, very well calculated. There is no doubt in my mind that Ebou Jallow/Jammeh, whatever his surname is, is fully behind this scandal. |
pk2 |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jun 2006 : 17:02:03
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PATRICK:
WHAT IS YOUR EVIDENCE ? i AM SURE YOU HAVE NONE !THIS IS WHY YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO ALL PARTIES BEFORE YOU MAKE JUDGMENT .
THAT IS THE KIND OF FUTURE LEADERS WE EXPECT GAMBIA TO HAVE ; AND IT STARTS WITH US TODAY.
DO NOT ASSUME ANYBODY IS RIGHT OR WRONG UNTIL YOU HAVE ALL THE FACTS. |
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Janyanfara
Tanzania
1350 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2006 : 14:25:32
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Right! I share the same sentiments.This time the other way round Mbye has to clear himself off the alledgations made against him by this Justice Sam.
You have to hear from both sides b4 comming to a conclussion.Despite Pa Ndery being my friend,the Gambia is more than Pa Ndery and myself.So the Country comes first then individual "Kaarit" can fit in.I care less if it is my brother because Gambia is more than my brother.I think everybody should realise that once your neighbour is not save,you should think who will be next?
Mankajang Janyanfara |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2006 : 18:47:51
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JANYAFARA:
I commend you for being courageous and straight forward.
It is absolutely clear that the Gambia government is wrong again for arresting, detaining and torturing innocent citizens for subscribing and participating in an online newspaper that discusses issues of their country.
However, we must be cautious about taking sides and coming to the defence of Pa Nderry prematurely. We only need to be simpathetic to him (as a friend and colleague in this struggle) while paying attention to both sides of the argument as the scandal unfolds.
Let us delay jugment , and maybe encourage both sides to answer more questions. Because if Pa Nderry actually turned over the list of names of the current accused persons to further his personal ambitions as some people alledge,we should not hesitate to condemn him.
So far i have not heard any tangible evidence from anyone , amidst all these arguments and counter-arguments to convince that anyone hacked Pa Nderry or that he actually turned over the names of his subscribers. I have requested PATRICK yesterday to provide evidence for his statements but he has not.
Let us condemn the authorities in the Gambia for arresting , detaining and torturing innocent citizens , but let us ask Pa Nderry more questions and encourage him to clear himself more viz aviz the the new allegations about his pending asylum case in the U.S.
Thanks everyone. |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2006 : 18:58:20
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I find it difficult ot know who to believe. Mr. Mbai needs to get out of the closet and set the records straight. It does not help him standing by. I only hope he would create the situation and then cry fowl.
Well i have learnt to take everything with a pinch of salt. |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2006 : 19:14:56
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WELL THERE YOU GO KONDORONG!THAT WHAT WISDOM AND PRUDENCE REQUIRES. "TAKE EVERYTHING WIYH A PINCH OF SALT" OTHERWISE WE WILL RISK BEING ON THE WRONG SIDE OF TRUTH AND JUSTICE.
PA NDERRY OWE IT TO HIS READERSHIP, SUBSCRIBERS AND THE
DETAINEES TO BOLDLY AND CONVINCINGLY CLEAR HIMSELF OF ALL THESE ALLEGATIONS.
BY FAR HAS HE INITIATED ANY LAW SUIT AS HE PROMISED ? WE EAGERLY AWAIT THAT LAW SUIT , HOPING IT WILL UNCOVER MORE FACTS THAT WILL FACILITATE THE DELIVERY OF JUSTICE IN THIS MATTER.
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2006 : 19:20:23
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| I cannot agree more. We need to know the truth. Sometimes the truth is always a casualty in the courts and we will never know who is right. Legal undertakings are not about seeking the truth, but about wining a case. No one cares what the truth is or who is right any more these days. Having a bright attorney on your side make all the difference. |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2006 : 19:37:22
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KONDORONG:
I AM SERIOUSLY IN NO MOOD IN TRYING TO SEPARATE TRUTH FROM JUSTICE AT THIS MOMMENT. HOWEVER I AGREE WITH THE WISDOM THAT "TRUTH IS LIKE A LIZARD , IT WILL OFTEN LEAVE ITS TAIL IN YOUR HANDS AND RUN AWAY".WE ARE A NATION OF LAWS , AND NO MATTER WHO WINS OR LOSES A CASE THE INFORMATION THAT COMES OUT IN THE PROCESS ENHANCES PUBLIC OPINION.
THE CASES OF ROBERT BLKE AND MICHAEL JACKSON IN THE U.S. WILL TELL YOU THAT WINNING A CASE IN COURT COULD SOMETIMES BE LIKE A PYRRHIC VICTORY. |
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