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Momodou
Denmark
11744 Posts |
 Posted - 15 Mar 2007 : 14:49:59
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MARKET VENDOR ARRESTED
By Modou Jonga
A market vendor close to the Brikama Health Centre was on Thursday 8th March, 2007 arrested by Immigration Officers. The said market vendor who was arrested in the presence of this reporter was being physically kicked and beaten in the open by more than six Immigration personnel before he was eventually over powered, handcuffed and dragged to the police station bare footed, to the total dismay of on lookers.
The arrested victim was heard saying. "I don't deserve this. I am a fellow Gambian." The beatings started when the arrested vendor refused to produce his identity card when demanded by an Immigration Officer, saying that he had produced his identity card to Immigration Officers, the previous day (Wednesday 7th March). Apparently, this response angered the Immigration Officer who got aggressive and started insulting, knocking and pushing the vendor. Eventually the said vendor, before being arrested, complied with the demand and produced his identity card.
It was after this that more than six other Immigration Officers were drawn to the scene and who started the physical assault on the said vendor before taking him to the police station in handcuff. However, according to a reliable source, the arrested vendor was in the evening of the same day released from police custody after being detained for more than three hours.
Many market vendors have lamented about the daily patrols in the Brikama Market by Immigration personnel and the frequent scrutiny of their identity by the said officers.
When contacted, the Head of Immigration at the Brikama Station, S/O Sanneh refuted such claims and said that his personnel are encouraged daily to approach vendors with a high degree of courtesy and respect.
On the issue of the daily presence of his personnel at the market, S/O Sanneh explained that the motive is to enhance the regulatisation of alien cards by non Gambians.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 031/2007, 14- 15 March, 2007
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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