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Momodou
Denmark
11513 Posts |
 Posted - 15 Apr 2010 : 17:31:55
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RELEASE FEMI PETERS UNCONDITIONAL
Apr 15, 2010
I do not question the moral justification of Mr. Femi Peter’s trial, but I do question the justification of the sentence imposed on him in relation to the rally that took place at Serrekunda Ebony junction. The rally was organised by the UDP and the application to the Inspection General of Police clearly stated that it was the UDP that was seeking permission to use a public address system. Mr. Peters was the one arrested by the Police for holding a rally without the IGP’s instruction. It is a right to hold the rally by UDP even without the permit since it is stipulated in the constitution that every person shall have the right to freedom of assembly, association and speech, therefore holding a rally is not a crime but a right.
While Mr. Peter’s trial was on the ruling APRC party was holding public meetings and rallies all over the country without applying for permits. What type of democracy are we practising in the country when the UDP cannot be allowed to hold meetings across the country? This discriminatory decision was overturned by the high court of the Gambia in 1998? It stated that denying UDP a permit was discriminatory; I therefore describe Mr. Peters as a prisoner of conscience and not a criminal prisoner for that matter. The Gambian authorities should release him immediately because he Mr. Peter was merely exercising his constitutional right as stipulated in the constitution of the Republic of the Gambia .
It is high time for the international community to step in and end the crisis, this came at a time when freedom and the rule of law are under attack. People have been subjected to disappearances, detention without trial etc. People like Kanyi-Ba Kanyi UDP Kombo East constituency coordinator are a victim of this harassment by the regime of the day. It is also stipulated in the constitution that Gambia is a sovereign state being sovereign means people owning themselves and their minds and that they are capable of carving their own destiny. Without these it will be difficult for them to exercise their rights.
By Gassama Foday
UDP Sponsored Candidate
Brikama, Nyambai Ward
Source: Dailynews
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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