Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – Momodou Justice Darboe, a journalist for The Voice newspaper, has been granted bail after his arrest sparked widespread concern over press freedom in the country. Darboe, who was released on Saturday afternoon on a bail of D25,000, has since reunited with his family. However, state authorities have ordered him to report to the police on Monday as charges against him remain.
The GPU, which continues its active engagement with state authorities, is demanding the immediate dropping of charges against the journalist, emphasizing that legal threats and intimidation against members of the press cannot be tolerated.
Darboe’s arrest has drawn criticism from media watchdogs and rights groups, particularly the Gambia Press Union (GPU), which has been at the forefront of defending press freedom in the country.
“We urge all media platforms to amplify our unified voices. Such intimidation is unacceptable, and the GPU won’t allow an attack on press freedom and freedom of expression,” said an official of the union. The organization has remained steadfast in its advocacy, noting that its mandate to defend the rights of journalists and uphold the principles of free speech will not be compromised under any circumstances.
Momodou Justice Darboe was detained by Gambian police following the publication of an article suggesting that President Adama Barrow is considering businessman Muhammed Jah as his successor to lead the National People’s Party (NPP).
This case has escalated tensions between the media and the administration of President Adama Barrow, with the GPU accusing the government of infringing on journalists’ rights through arrests and threats of legal action. President Barrow’s administration has faced increasing criticism for its handling of media-related issues, with many accusing it of backtracking on earlier promises to promote press freedom.
Darboe’s arrest is the latest in a series of incidents that have raised alarm bells within the journalism community in The Gambia as concerns grow about the safety of reporters who seek to hold public officials accountable. The GPU has called on all media professionals to stand in solidarity and use their platforms to challenge what they perceive as a calculated attempt to stifle dissenting voices in the press.
With Darboe’s case still ongoing, the GPU is expected to ramp up its advocacy efforts in the coming days, calling for more robust protections for journalists and urging the government to uphold democratic principles.
This case has drawn significant public attention, and the outcome of Darboe’s legal battle is likely to set an important precedent for the future of press freedom in the country. As the GPU continues to lobby for the charges against the journalist to be dropped, many are watching closely to see how the government responds to growing calls for greater accountability and respect for media rights.
