Amnesty International has issued a letter calling on the Gambian authorities to drop all charges against human rights defender Madi Jobarteh, highlighting concerns that the charges are politically motivated and aimed at stifling his human rights activities.
In the letter, addressed to President Adama Barrow, Amnesty International expressed deep concern over the intimidation, harassment, threats, and attacks against Madi Jobarteh since May 2022, when President Barrow accused him of being a “troublemaker” who wants to bring violence into the country.
The letter details a series of events, including an incident on 6 October 2023, when officers from the State Intelligence Unit and the Criminal Intelligence Unit raided Madi Jobarteh’s house and questioned him about his Facebook posts. Despite being advised to report to the nearest police station, Madi Jobarteh refused, leading to police vehicles loitering around his neighborhood.
Subsequently, on 9 October 2023, he was arrested and placed in judicial custody, during which he was denied access to his lawyer. He was released on bail on 15 October 2023, only to be charged with seditious intention, incitement to violence, false broadcasting, and information on 9 November 2023.
Amnesty International has raised concerns that these charges are an attempt to prevent Madi Jobarteh from freely exercising his rights to freedom of expression and association and carrying out his human rights activities. The organization has called on President Barrow to ensure that the charges against Madi Jobarteh are dropped immediately and that he is allowed to freely carry out his human rights work without fear of reprisals.
The letter also urges President Barrow to ensure that all allegations of intimidation, harassment, threats, and attacks against Madi Jobarteh and his family are promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently, and effectively investigated, and that suspected perpetrators are brought to justice in fair trials. Amnesty International further calls for the respect of Madi Jobarteh’s right to privacy, including the return of his phone and that of his daughter.
Amnesty International’s letter underscores the importance of protecting human rights defenders like Madi Jobarteh and ensuring that they can carry out their vital work without fear of reprisals or harassment. The organization’s call to drop the charges against Madi Jobarteh reflects a broader concern for the protection of human rights and the rule of law in The Gambia.
