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Momodou
Denmark
11809 Posts |
 Posted - 21 Apr 2008 : 17:57:03
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Foroyaa Editorial:
Mob Justice A Dangerous Trend!
Because of widespread poverty and because many people have experienced theft of one form or another, it is often easy or tempting for one to rush to a scene where a purported thief is being beaten, to add some kicks and punches. This is not only unlawful, it is dangerous, because it can lead to the death or severe injury of the purported thief. It becomes all the more serious where the individual is innocent.
This is why the constitution makes it clear that every person is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty or has pleaded guilty.
The constitution also protects the right to life of every person in The Gambia. No one has any right to take the life of another. And this is what excessive beatings can lead to death.
Whenever mob justice is applied, emotions are high and the people beating the suspect at that particular moment have no iota of empathy in them, as they venge their anger on the suspect with spite.
People within a community can facilitate the work of the police but they cannot play the role of administering justice by passing judgment and punishing the suspect. Every incident of this nature has to be dealt with according to law which sets standards.
Communities can organize themselves to protect themselves and capture thieves who must then be handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution.
It does not suffice to say that the police and the thieves are hand in glove. Matters have to be pursued and exposed in the newspapers, if necessary, where there is miscarriage of justice. Such effort is more worth the while than taking the life of another, who may well be innocent of the purported crime. It may also save you from arrest and prosecution for assault, wounding or murder.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 46/208, 21 22 April 2008
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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kaanibaa
United Kingdom
1169 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2008 : 18:32:13
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| A scenario for the forum ; one day i was walking near the serekunda market when I heard a cry Saachey! saachey! immediately every one around me became alert and looking about for the culprit,a young man was seen running and some guys grabbed him in the believe that he was the thief. Before he could explain himself he got the beating of his life. The crier of saachey! was close by and tried to tell the crowd that this boy was not the culprit but they were too busy beating the hell out of a suspect, the scum of the streets to wit a petty thief. In the end the poor chap struggled to free himself and fled to the Police Station which was close by. There he took refuge and the crowd followed close behind him still not satisfied by their cruelty and demanded that he be release to them to finish him off. The Police officers on duty came to his rescue and kept him behind the counters for his his safety. They then made some investigation and it was at this point that the lady who was crying saachey! explained to them that the crowd got the wrong person and that the actual culprit had made good his escape with the loot. The young man was left to go home bruised and battered with no compensation for being wrongfully beaten up. This is a common sight in the Gambia. Unfortunately |
Edited by - kaanibaa on 21 Apr 2008 18:41:11 |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2008 : 21:18:19
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It probably relects a low trust in the Police. The complain has been that thiefs brought to the police staton are usually seen walking the streets again in a matter of 2 hours. So people take it upon themselves to serve "justice".
I dont like mob justice bcause its cruel and like in your example, the wrong person may be punished. |
When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always. |
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mbay
Germany
1007 Posts |
Posted - 22 Apr 2008 : 07:08:01
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It is the heat causing all this prompt reaction, Hungry man is a just angryman.
taking ones property freely is not a nice face, the more explanations need from very homes and communities.
It remains me in the 70s of Nigeria. Putting a tires on thief's and set fire wasn't unusual. |
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