The National Human Rights Commission – The Gambia has condemned all and any acts of police brutality in the country in its strongest terms.
A statement obtained from NHRC on Sunday stated clearly that no officers of the Anti-Crime Unit, and all other security officers that has the right to subject anyone to any form of brutality, torture or inhuman, degrading punishment or other treatment.
According to the statement the attention of the NHRC was drawn to the disturbing news circulating on social media about the alleged serious assault meted out on one Ebrima Sanneh of Brikama by the Commander of the Anti-Crime Unit, Commissioner Goorgie Mboob last Friday, 24th July at the Headquarters of the Anti-Crime Unit, leading to grievous bodily harm and hospitalization of the said Ebrima Sanneh.
“It is therefore worrying to hear news about police officers, who are required to be the custodians of law and order, allegedly violating the rights of others. The police are to ensure that the rights of all who come into contact with them are respected and protected.
The 1997 Constitution and other international instruments, to which The Gambia is a party, guarantees fundamental human rights of everyone living in The Gambia, and the Gambia Police Force, as an agent of the State responsible for the maintenance of law and order, is expected to exercise maximum restraint and ensure its actions are legal, necessary and proportionate,” the statement said.
It added that “The NHRC is investigating the said allegations and will recommend the appropriate action to take to make sure that justice is done if it is established that any form of torture was committed.”