By: Nyima Sillah
Yahya Sonko, Migration / Human rights activist based in Germany has called on Gambian authorities to launch an immidate investigation on the torture claim of a Gambian deportee by Germany police.
He wants the Gambian government, the National Human Rights Commission, and Non-Governmental Organisations to dig into this matter as quickly as possible.
“I write today with grave concern regarding the alleged inhumane treatment suffered by a Gambian citizen during deportation from Germany. As a dedicated advocate for human rights and migration issues, I urge immediate action to investigate the disturbing allegations,” Sonko stated in a statement shared with this medium.
Sonko stated that from the explanation he got from the victim Saikou Kanteh, he endured physical violence in the hands of German authorities, including being kicked and beaten during the deportation process and a foreign object was forcibly inserted into his mouth, resulting in speech impairment that persisted upon his arrival in The Gambia.
“Such actions, if proven true, are not only reprehensible but also constitute a clear violation of fundamental human rights and international law. No individual should be subjected to such brutality, regardless of their immigration status,” Sonko stated.
“I implore the Government of The Gambia, the Gambia Human Rights Commission, and all relevant international NGOs operating in The Gambia to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into this matter. It is imperative that those responsible for these egregious acts be held accountable for their actions,” activist Sonko strongly emphasized.
He further called on the international community to stand in solidarity with the victim and demand justice for his blatant violation of human dignity, contending that they cannot allow such atrocities to go unanswered, and it is incumbent upon them to ensure that the rights of migrants are respected and protected.
“Together, let us send a strong and unequivocal message that acts of brutality and abuse will not be tolerated, and that those responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Sonkosaid.