Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Prominent activist and human rights lawyer Salieu Taal has cautioned against any move to arrest legal practitioner Lamin J. Darboe over comments made after a high-profile court case, warning that such action could undermine the independence of the legal profession and weaken the rule of law in The Gambia.
Speaking amid growing public speculation, Taal urged restraint and adherence to constitutional principles, stressing that lawyers must be able to carry out their professional duties without fear of intimidation or harassment.
“I would not like to believe that a lawyer could be arrested for statements made in the course of their professional duties,” Taal said, adding that concerns about a lawyer’s conduct should be handled through established legal and professional channels rather than through coercive state action.
The remarks follow widespread rumors suggesting a possible arrest of Darboe after comments he reportedly made following the conclusion of the trial involving Ousainou Bojang.
Although authorities have issued no official confirmation, the speculation has triggered debate within legal and public circles about the limits of free expression and the protections afforded to legal practitioners.
Taal, a former president of the Gambia Bar Association, emphasized that lawyers play a vital role in the administration of justice and must be able to represent clients and speak within the scope of their professional responsibilities without undue interference.
“A lawyer is not the case,” he said. “They are officers of the court performing their duty to ensure that every individual receives a fair hearing as guaranteed by law.”
He warned that targeting a lawyer for actions taken in the course of professional duties could create a chilling effect across the legal community, discouraging robust representation and eroding public confidence in the justice system.
Taal also highlighted the role of the Gambia Bar Association as a key institution responsible for safeguarding the rule of law, protecting its members, and ensuring that professional standards are maintained.
Beyond the immediate controversy, he framed the issue within the country’s broader democratic trajectory, noting that The Gambia has made notable progress in strengthening its institutions since the end of authoritarian rule.
“This is a country governed by law,” Taal said. “If there are concerns about what a lawyer has said, there are proper channels to address that, including professional disciplinary processes.”
He urged authorities to proceed cautiously and avoid actions that could be perceived as intimidation, particularly at a time when public trust in national institutions remains crucial.
As debate over the issue continues, Taal’s intervention underscores growing concern within the legal community about protecting professional independence and ensuring that the administration of justice remains free from fear or interference.
Leave a Reply