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Momodou
Denmark
11734 Posts |
 Posted - 09 Sep 2009 : 14:59:03
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Freed Journalists Ever Determined
Lamin Njie
A day after granting them pardon the six freed journalists has expressed their determination to continue doing their jobs as professional journalists without grudge against the government or president of The Republic of The Gambia.
In an interview with The Daily News at their various homes, they also thanked all those who in one way or the other, stood behind them during their difficult moments both within and outside The Gambia.
It could be recalled that the six journalists were convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment by Justice Emmanuel Fagbenle of the High Court in Banjul on the 6th August, 2009 after they were found guilty on charges of sedition, criminal defamation and conspiracy.
They have accordingly served 29 days incarceration at the Jeshwang Prisons before a Presidential pardon was granted to them. The Gambian population broke their fast to the news of the pardon, the full text of which we reproduce here:
“In the spirit of compassion, and in recognition of the holy month of Ramadan, a month of supplication and forgiveness, His Excellency The President of the Republic, Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya A JJ Jammeh, has decided to exercise his powers vested on him by Section 82, Sub-section 1 of the Constitution of The Gambia, 1997 on prerogative of mercy, to pardon the following journalists who were convicted in court for the offences of sedition and criminal defamation.
Sarata Jabbi- Dibba
Ebrima Sawaneh
Pa Modou Faal
Bai Emil Touray
Sam Sarr
Pap Saine
Forgiveness is in no way a sign of weakness, but a true manifestation of a better being.
The exercise of freedom of expression should be done responsibly. Journalists should understand that freedom of expression does not in any way mean being above the law or immunity from prosecution when they violate the laws of the land by infringing the rights of others, or being disrespectful to the person of others, more so The President.
The government of the Republic of The Gambia guarantees the exercise of freedom of expression, as well as guarantees the dignity and integrity of every citizen who also has the rights to revert to the laws when ever his/her integrity or dignity has been infringed by somebody in his/her exercise of freedom of expression.
The government of The Republic of The Gambia would defend the honour and dignity of every Gambian because that is her responsibility. Therefore, the laws of this land would be enforced to the letter no matter who is involved.
Journalists are therefore urged to desist from being seditious and to remember that every citizen is accountable for his/her actions under the law, and they are no exception.
Finally, let it be clear that this Executive pardon is purely based on the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan, which is a month of forgiveness, and nothing else.
Source: The Daily News
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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