The National Youth Parliament Gambia (NYP), has released a statement saying it is deeply worried about the recent Presidential Pardon by President AdamaBarrow.
‘’While the essence of forgiveness is appreciated, a bewildering facet has emerged, revealing that individuals convicted of heinous crimes, including murder and rape, have received reprieve,’’ NYP’s statement noted.
The NYP continues to state that while it strongly acknowledges the need for compassion, but it vehemently denounces the inclusion of those that are convicted of murder and rape among the pardoned without vivid explanations of the reasons guiding such decisions.
‘’The lack of clarity on the reasons behind these pronouncements raises serious questions. The public is deeply concerned, and rightfully so, as this move poses a potential threat to societal harmony and risks setting a perilous precedent where violent crimes may be trivialized,’’ the statement pointed out.
It says The Gambia has over the past months taken significant steps in the advancement of the gains of its transitional justice process.
‘’Already, victims of rape have over the years found it quite challenging to report their matters due to the manner in which society treats them.’’
‘’Thus, this move will only discourage more victims to stay muted instead of reporting their alleged perpetrators, knowing that they might end up receiving presidential pardons even when they are convicted,’’ the statement added.
The NYP emphasizes that the actions of the state must not vindicate such reasoning.
‘’Equally, in our quest for justice and peaceful co-existence, it is unthinkable to reintroduce those that have been convicted of murder into our society without undergoing the punishment they deserve and with the victims’ families watching them helplessly live their lives whiles they continue to mourn their lose,’’ NYP argued.
‘’While we understand that victims’ families might have been consulted before the signing of such pardons, it is important to emphatically note that the immense power, influence and values vested in the government and religious leaders would make it almost impossible for any victim’s family to say no to any plea from their end. Therefore, such consultation may not be considered sufficient to inform such a huge decision,’’ the NYP’s statement concluded.
