Gambia: BBC journalist prevented from witnessing treason trial

Ed Butler, a BBC World Service producer, was on May 24, 2010 denied access to the High Court in Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, by police officers deployed at the court premises. Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)’s sources reported that Butler, who is on a private visit in the Gambia had gone to the High Court to witness an ongoing high profile “treason” trial involving eight persons including, a former military chief. 

The sources said Butler, who had gone to the court at the invitation of a local journalist, was prevented from entering the court premises with the excuse that the public gallery was filled to capacity.

However, when his colleague pleaded with the officer to allow him seat in the media gallery, since Butler is also a journalist, the officer called another officer who insisted on seeing the accreditation of Butler before allowing him to the court premises.

The sources said the police officers believed Butler was on a spy mission.

MFWA as an African human rights organization is worried about the repressive nature and systematic manner in which the Gambian authorities are stifling free expression and media freedom in that country.

We reiterate our call for the African Heads of State to ensure that the regime of President Jammeh respects human rights of the Gambians.

For further information please contact:

Kwame Karikari (Prof)
Executive Director
MFWA
Accra
Tel: 233-30-22 4 24 70
Fax: 233-302-22 10 84
Email: mfwa@africaonline.com.ghThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.mediafound.org

- May 27, 2010 by MFWA

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Source: www.mediafound.org/index.php (accessed on 31.05.10)