By Kemo Kanyi
Assan Martin, human rights lawyer and social activist, has condemned legal actions against The Voice newspaper journalists by the police and the president’s legal team.
“The President has taken legal action against the journalists for reporting a succession plan, which was from a source within his party. Definitely, we are condemning any prosecution or legal action against both journalists,” he affirmed his stance during an exclusive interview with this reporter on Thursday.
He described those actions are uncalled for and unwarranted. “We have seen that it is, in fact, a persecution, not prosecution. Having read the story that was published in the newspaper, which speaks about a succession plan by the ruling party headed by the president. I did not see any reason that would warrant any prosecution. Stories have been written many times about politics, political party behaviour, and no actions have been taken by his political opponents. Why does it have to be the president,” Lawyer Martin questions.
He questioned the involvement of The Gambia Police Force into the saga. He advised that the police should not allowthemselves to be used as political tools against civilians.
“It is advice to the police to not allow themselves to be used politically or in a political battle. The involvement of the police is a doubting thing, and we are condemning it in all aspects,” he stated.
He urged the government to stand by their promises prior to coming into office.
“The government should allow freedom of expression. Prior to their coming into power, they have made a lot of promises and pledges in regards to protecting and defending media and the press in their work,” he recalled.
He stressed that there is no defamation in that story. “I don’t understand how a succession plan can defame anyone. The government should understand that journalists report on their sources, and they had already come out and denied. What’s warranting the prosecution now,” he quizzed.
