Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) has raised concerns over the reported arrest and detention of Sira Touray by the Gambia Police Force. Touray, the wife of Mbemba Drammeh—who was previously arrested and later granted bail—was taken into custody under circumstances yet to be fully disclosed by the authorities.

According to the police, Drammeh has since jumped bail, but he has not been charged with any crime. The rights group, in a statement, urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to uphold the rule of law and respect Touray’s rights while in detention.

“She has automatic rights to receive family members and access her lawyer and to be informed within three hours of her arrest, in the language she understands, of the reasons for her arrest,” the EFSCRJ stated. The organization further emphasized that any interrogation of Touray must be conducted in the presence of her legal representatives.

In addition, the rights group called on the IGP to provide the public with an official update on the circumstances surrounding Touray’s arrest and detention.

The case has drawn attention to concerns about due process and the rights of detainees in The Gambia. The police have yet to issue a statement on the matter.