Attacks on the Press 2007: Africa Analysis
When Press Freedom and Democracy Are Out of StepBy Tom RhodesBallots may have replaced bullets in much of Africa since the dawn of this new century, but one of the great political ironies for at least part of the continent has been a loss of press freedom following the voting. Leaders in a large swath…
Attacks on the Press 2007: The Gambia
Fewer press-related detentions and attacks were reported in 2007, CPJ research showed, but local journalists said the decline reflected several years of intense government suppression. One prominent journalist was slain and others have been forced into exile since 2004, leaving a more compliant press that practices widespread self-censorship. A mere handful of publications provide critical…
In Gambia, government-held reporter sighted at hospital
New York, July 30, 2007— The Committee to Protect Journalists is concerned by reports that a Gambian reporter, arrested a year ago and since held incommunicado without charge or trial by the government, was briefly admitted last week to Gambia’s main hospital in the capital, Banjul. “Chief” Ebrima B. Manneh, the State House correspondent for…
In Gambia, harassment forces a reporter into hiding
New York, July 5, 2007—A freelance Gambian reporter went into hiding last week after being harassed by several individuals, including an executive of the pro-government daily and suspected security agents, about his alleged links to the regional press freedom group Media Foundation of West Africa (MFWA), according to the group and CPJ sources. Ghana-based MFWA…
Gambia: Reporter for shuttered newspaper convicted over coup story
New York, June 6, 2007—A court in the capital, Banjul, on Tuesday fined a reporter for a now-banned newspaper in connection with a March 2006 story reporting the arrest of several suspects in the aftermath of a purported coup attempt, according to local journalists and news reports. Lamin Fatty of the private bi-weekly The Independent…
U.S.-based journalist charged with sedition in Gambia
New York, April 4, 2007—A court in the capital Banjul today handed down criminal charges to a U.S.-based journalist, detained since last week by state intelligence agents, and released her on bail in connection with critical commentary of President Yahya Jammeh, according to local journalists.
US-based Gambian journalist detained
New York, March 30, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists is concerned about reports that a U.S.-based Gambian journalist and outspoken critic of President Yahyah Jammeh has been detained since Wednesday by security services. Fatou Jaw Manneh, political commentator with the U.S.-based opposition news Web site All-Gambian.net and former senior reporter of the private Daily Observer,…
Gambian reporter said to be in state custody; CPJ seeks release
Your Excellency, We are deeply concerned about the well-being of our colleague “Chief” Ebrima B. Manneh of the Daily Observer, who has not been seen or heard from since his arrest seven months ago, according to sources in the media and human rights organizations.