By Binta Jaiteh
Victims of former exile President Yahya Jammeh have expressed dissatisfaction over the release of Junglers saying they might jump bail.
The victims concern comes after the army freed two soldiers alleged to be among Jammeh’s killer squad recently.
According to a statement issued from the Secretariat of the Victim Centre, the VC delegation expressed their disappointment on the timing of the release of the Junglers especially at a time when the Government White Paper is almost about to be released. The Centre as well stated that the timing of the release of the Junglers could also be interpreted as a strategy to free the said Junglers, especially, considering the long delays by the government in taking the Junglers to court.”
According to the statement, the delegation further raised fears as to whether the two Junglers and those who were released earlier-on will not jump bail or fail to appear when they are needed for prosecution.
“The Chair of the meeting and the Armed Forces representatives gave the delegation all assurances that they would be monitored closely, and would be reporting on a weekly basis to the Police to ensure their presence in the country. The victim center and other victim-led organisations, held a press conference on 19 March 2022 on the Sana Sabally issue, and to further clarify its position regarding the release of the Jungulers by the Army.
“Considering the above, the victim center would like to assure all Gambians that it will continue to closely collaborate with the Army, Ministries of Defence and Justice and all other relevant stakeholders, to ensure that all Junglers are prosecuted as per the TRRC recommendations. The VC will continue to closely collaborate with its sister Victim-led Organizations, and CSOs, to monitor the implementation of the TRRC Recommendations by the government,” the statement pointed out.
And “finally, The Gambia Center for Victims of Human Rights Violations will continue to work with all players in fighting for justice for victims and to ensure that peace continues to prevail in our country, the Smiling Coast.”