By Nicholas Bass
Victims of torture during the reign of former President YahyaAJJ Jammeh’s regime have echoed that torture is unacceptable. They said this at a daylong organized event of the Women’s Association for Women and Victim Empowerment on Mondaywhich was meant to celebrate the Tortured Victims of Jammeh.
The event was held at the 22nd July Square in Banjul under the theme – Torture is unacceptable.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Justice at the event, Senior Counsel Mariama Singateh said the country is going through a transitional period after the 22 years of authoritative rule of ex-president Yahya AJJ Jammeh.
She expressed that the TRRC testimonies will help the country to move forward in rebuilding trust and reinforcing the respect for human rights.
She noted that the Ministry of Justice will implement 90% of the TRRC recommendation through a consultative process that guarantees the will of relevant stakeholders.
The Snr Counsel noted further that the recent Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act condemns torture, sexual and gender-based violence.
Adding that, the Act of Torture removes impunity for security officers by placing responsibility on the individual who perpetrates the act as well as the superior officer that fails to obey the Act that also provides reparations through the courts in the form of Mental Health and Psychosocial support service and it offers no amnesty for the offense of torture.
Ms. Aissata De, Resident Representative of UNDP disclosed that her institution will continue to support the transitional justice of tortured victims of Jammeh’s regime together with other victims who are violated.
Ms. Aissata De commended President Adama Barrow for passing the Anti-Torture Bill in ensuring national laws and practices are in line with UN Convention.
One of the survivors of April 10 and 11, Abdoulie H. Bojanglamented that he lost his son in the horrific incident of the students’ riot, noting that he is hoping for justice to be served.
He urged the government to allow citizens to openly express their dissatisfaction, noting that such peaceful demonstrations should not be averted by the security personnel through forceful means.
Marie Therese N. Sonko wept for her son who was shot in cold blood on April 10 and 11, saying that she toiled day and night to pay for her son’s school fees but his untimely death still lingers in her mind.
