PH
A Gambia union leader says a journalist detained by authorities now faces charges in high court in the West African nation.
Gambia Press Union secretary general Saikou Jammeh says Taranga FM Managing Director Alhagie Abdoulie Ceesay faces seven charges, including false publication with “intent to excite disaffection” against Gambia’s president. He says the case has been transferred to High Court.
Ceesay was abducted and detained without communication for over two weeks in July before being brought to court. His disappearance sparked an international outcry, with rights groups demanding his release.
President Yahya Jammeh’s rule since 1994 has been marred by accusations of rights violations. Amnesty International has noted a spike in arrests, detentions and enforced disappearances since a failed coup attempt in December. Journalists and rights defenders have been targeted.
