The Malick Jallow Foundation for Children (MJFC) is very concerned with the recent widespread publication of information that could lead to the identification of a child who was the subject matter of a criminal trial at the Children’s Court in Brikama.
The MJFC further notes that the said information which was first published on 10th August 2024 on the official page of the Gambia Police Force relates to the matter of the IGP against a juvenille offender (name withheld).
Unfortunately, the said police publication contained information that could lead to the identification of the said child and also gave very precise details on the nature of the charge against the child as well as the punishment that was meted out by the Children’s Court. Whilst we appreciate the seemingly belated rectification of the publication of the name of the child on the official page of The Gambia Police Force, we believe the police equally have a responsibility to ensure that all entities and media outlets that had fed on the publication are also engaged to take timely and appropriate steps to ensure removal of the aforementioned information on the said child.
The MJFC further seizes this opportunity to remind all stakeholding institutions including the Gambia Police Force that publication of information that may lead to the identification of a child who is the subject matter of legal proceedings at the Children’s Court is an offence by virture of Section 73 of the Children’s Act of The Gambia and carries a punishment of a fine of GMD500,000 or an imprisonment for the term of three years or to both fine and imprisonment.
The rationale behind this law is geared towards protecting children from possible secondary victimization and prohibit inappropriate exposure to the public dormain that could undermine the ultimate objectives of the Children’s Court in criminal proceedings involving a child which is to rehabilitate and integrate such children in a manner that does not undermine their potential to take their rightful place in the development trajectory of society.
We equally call on all other media entities and individuals to heed the said call and collectively ensure responsible and ethical journalism, particularly in matters where the best interest of the child is at stake.