Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The civil society group Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) has called on supporters to gather for a peaceful protest today in Brufut over the continued detention of Ousainou Bojang and his sister, Amie Bojang, following their acquittal by the High Court.
The siblings were on Monday acquitted and discharged by Justice Jaiteh at the High Court in a high-profile case connected to the fatal shooting of two police officers at the Sukuta–Jabang traffic lights in September 2023.
Shortly after the ruling, state prosecutors informed the court of their intention to appeal the decision and requested an order to keep the pair in detention. As a result, the Bojang siblings were returned to Mile Two Central Prison pending further legal proceedings.
In a message posted on its social media platforms, GALA urged supporters to assemble at 9:00 a.m. in Brufut for what it described as a peaceful and disciplined demonstration.
“The time is now. We gather today at 9:00 AM sharp in Brufut. Let us stand united, firm, and disciplined as we raise our voices in solidarity with Ousainou and his sister. Justice must not only be demanded; it must be seen and felt,” the group said.
GALA also stressed that it had previously encouraged restraint while the case was still before the courts. According to the group, during the July 23 national protest, it discouraged slogans such as “Who killed the cops?” or “Free Ousainou” out of respect for the legal process.
However, the organization argued that the continued detention of the siblings despite their acquittal raises serious concerns.
“When a matter is before the courts, law-abiding citizens are expected to remain calm and allow justice to take its course,” the statement said. “But respect for the law must go both ways. Those entrusted with upholding justice must also demonstrate it in action.”
The group concluded by calling for the immediate release of the Bojang siblings.
The planned gathering follows an impromptu protest staged by the group on Tuesday in Westfield. That protest was later dispersed by police, who used tear gas to break up the crowd.
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