|
Momodou
Denmark
11841 Posts |
 Posted - 13 Sep 2006 : 17:30:48
|
Foroyaa Editorial:
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
A PREREQUSITE FOR FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS
In any election the contestants must be given latitude to freely express themselves in a national debate on pertinent issues that have a bearing on the lives of the people. Freedom of expression as guaranteed by Section 25(1) (a) of the constitution which states:
"Every person shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, which shall include freedom of the press and other media."
In short, not only do candidates have a right to freely express their views but the media also have a right to publish the views or information. In other words, media houses are the tools or avenues through which information is disseminated. Through the media the electorates are informed of the statements, conduct, etc of the various candidates and the political parties supporting them. This of course helps the people to make an informed choice.
The arrest of Dodou Sanneh, GRTS reporter adds to the list of detained journalists of both the print and electronic media, both state owned and the non governmental media, contrary to the constitution which demands that an arrestee be arraigned before a court of law or be released. Malick Mboob has been detained at the NIA headquarters for more than three months.
Chief Manneh too was arrested for the past two months and is believed to be detained at Mile 2 Prison, Dodou Sanneh joined them since 8th September. Reasons are never given. Statements are never issued. People are simply arrested and detained without trial and later released.
The detention of Dodou Sanneh is a serious matter because of the circumstance of his case. He was covering the political rallies of the UDP led alliance when he was recalled and arrested without explanation. Obviously, such actions can lead people to easily conclude that he was arrested because the authorities were not satisfied with his reports for political reasons.
Needless to say, election observers abound and what Gambia needs today is the proper functioning of all institutions to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections. What President Jammeh can do for posterity is to add his weight to this effort and to stop making effort to ensure that he regain the presidency by all means.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 77/2006, 13-14 September, 2006
|
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
|
Topic Locked
