EXTERNALAI Index: AFR 27/05/95

21 November 1995

Further information on UA 242/95 (AFR 27/04/95, 23 October 1995) - Fear of ill-treatment / Legal concern

GAMBIAAlhaji Omar Amadou Jallow, former Minister of Agriculture

Mamadou Cadicham, former government official

Alhaji Omar Sey, former Minister of External Affairs

Yaya Ceesay, former Minister of Local Government and Lands

Hussainu Njai, former bank director and member of parliament

and at least 37 others

RELEASED:Oussainu Darboe, vice-president of the Gambian Lawyers' Association

Of those arrested since 12 October 1995, only one person is known to have been released. Lawyer Oussainu Darboe was released on 6 November - he was never brought to court and no reason was given for his arrest and detention. At least 42 others remain held without charge or trial. Some visits have been allowed to the detainees who were originally held incommunicado. However, the right to receive visits has been frequently denied by the authorities. Arrests of perceived political opponents are also reported to be continuing.

On 28 October, Chairman Jammeh made a public speech criticizing human rights activists and the press for raising human rights issues. He reportedly stated that human rights were a fallacy, which did not exist anywhere in the world.

FURTHER RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send telegrams/telexes/faxes/express/ airmail letters in English or in your own language:

- explaining that your concern on these cases is motivated by a concern for universal human rights standards as stipulated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Gambia is a state party;

- welcoming the release of Oussainu Darboe;

- seeking clarification of the reasons for the continuing detention without charge or trial of the other detainees;

- seeking assurances that the detainees are being treated humanely;

- urging that they be given full access to their lawyers, doctors and families;

- calling for their immediate and unconditional release if, as it appears, they have been arrested solely for their non-violent political activities;

- if they are to be charged with recognizably criminal offences, urging that they be promptly and fairly tried according to international standards.

APPEALS TO:

His Excellency

Captain Yahya Jammeh

Chairman of the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council and Head of State

Office of the President

State House

Banjul

Republic of Gambia

Telegrams: Captain Jammeh, State House, Banjul, Gambia

Faxes: +220 227 034

Telexes: 2204

Salutation: Dear Captain Jammeh

Captain Lamin Bajo

Minister of the Interior

Ministry of the Interior

71 Dobson Street

Banjul

Republic of Gambia

Telegrams: Captain Bajo, Interior Ministry, Banjul, Gambia

Salutation: Dear Captain Lamin Bajo

Mr Mustapha Marong

Minister of Justice and Attorney General

Ministry of Justice and Attorney General’s Chambers

Marina Parade

Banjul

Republic of Gambia

Telegrams: Justice Minister Marong, Banjul, Gambia

Salutation: Dear Minister

COPIES TO:

The Editor, The Daily Observer, PMB 131, Banjul, Gambia

The Editor, The Gambia Daily, 14 Hagan Street, Banjul, Gambia

The Editor, The Point, 1A Hagan Street, Banjul, Gambia

The Editor, The Nation, People’s Press, 3 Boxbar Road, POB 334, Banjul, Gambia

and to diplomatic representatives of GAMBIA accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 7 January 1996.