Thought you might be interested in this from the Denmark Amnestry
International. I received this today it today
PUBLIC AI Index: AFR 27/01/00
EXTRA 35/00 Excessive use of force by security forces 12 April 2000
GAMBIA Fourteen people killed and at least 28 injured
Fourteen people were killed and at least 28 injured when security forces
used excessive and indiscriminate force to break up student-organized
protest demonstrations on 10 and 11 April 2000. Amnesty International is
concerned for the safety of those taking part in further demonstrations
anticipated in the coming days and weeks.
The demonstrations, involving hundreds of people, were organized by the
Gambian Students Union (GAMSU) in Banjul, Brikama and other towns to protest
at the death of a 19-year-old student, Ebrima Barry, on 9 March, reportedly
after torture by Brikama Fire Service personnel, and the alleged rape of a
13-year-old schoolgirl by a police officer the next day.
The demonstrations went ahead despite a refusal by the authorities to grant
GAMSU a permit. The demonstration in Banjul on 10 April became violent when
the security forces tried to disperse crowds using tear gas and rubber
bullets. The security forces apparently fired indiscriminately into the
crowd when demonstrators began throwing stones at them, burning tyres and
setting fire to buildings, including fire stations and police stations.
Oumar Baro, a journalist and Gambia Red Cross volunteer, wearing Red Cross
insignia, was killed as he went to help injured demonstrators.
The situation in the country remains tense with further demonstrations, some
violent, taking place in other towns on 11 April. The authorities have
closed all schools indefinitely and asked parents to keep their children at
home until further notice. Soldiers are patrolling the streets in Banjul to
maintain order. Of more than 100 demonstrators arrested, most have now been
charged or released.
Government and police sources have said that six fire personnel suspected of
being responsible for the torture and death of Ebrima Barry have been
arrested, interrogated and remanded in custody pending a court hearing. It
is not clear whether any of the suspects have yet been charged. An official
autopsy, the results of which were made public at the end of March,
concluded that Ebrima Barry died of natural causes. GAMSU insists that the
government has not responded adequately to the alleged torture and death of
Ebrima Barry.
Police have said they are carrying out a full investigation into the alleged
rape of the 13-year-old girl. Although a police identity parade has
reportedly been held, no suspects were identified and no one has been
charged.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
After a military coup in 1994 the former chair of the ruling military
council, retired Colonel Yahya Jammeh, was elected president in
controversial elections in September 1996. Decrees were then passed banning
politicians in the former government from being politically active and
granting total immunity from prosecution to those who held power as a result
of the military coup in 1994 up until the return to civilian rule. These
decrees remain in force.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send telegrams/faxes/express/airmail letters in
English or your own language:
- expressing concern at excessive force used by security forces in breaking
up demonstrations in Banjul and other towns on 10 and 11 April 2000
resulting in the deaths of at least 14 people and injuries to at least 28
others;
- calling on the government to instruct security forces to abide by the
United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law
Enforcement Officials, which state that ‘the intentional lethal use of
firearms may only be made when strictly unavoidable in order to protect
life’;
- urging the government to initiate a full and impartial investigation into
security force violence, including deaths and injuries of demonstrators, at
demonstrations held on 10 and 11 April and asking that all those found
responsible for human rights violations be immediately brought to justice;
- emphasizing the need for full, independent and impartial investigations to
be carried out into the alleged torture of Ebrima Barry by Brikama Fire
Service personnel on 9 March and the alleged rape of a 13-year-old
schoolgirl by a police officer on 10 March;
- urging the government to ensure that those found to be responsible in
these cases are
charged and brought to justice without delay.
APPEALS TO:
President and Minister of Defence
Captain (retd.) Yahya A.J.J.Jammeh, Office of the President, State House,
Banjul, The Gambia
Telegrams: President, Banjul, Gambia
Faxes: 00 220 227 034 - Salutation: Dear President
Minister of Interior
Honourable Ousman Badjie
Ministry of Interior, 71 Dobson Street, Banjul, The Gambia
Telegrams: Interior Minister, Banjul, Gambia
Faxes: 00 220 223 063 - Salutation: Dear Minister
Minister of Justice and Attorney-General
Honourable Pap Cheyassin Secka
Ministry of Justice, Marina Parade, Banjul, The Gambia
Telegrams: Justice Minister, Banjul, Gambia
Faxes: 00 220 225 352 - Salutation: Dear Minister
Inspector General of Police
Inspector General Rex King, Police Headquarters, Buckle Street, Banjul, The
Gambia
Salutation: Dear Inspector
COPIES TO:
The Editor, The Point newspaper, PO Box 66, Banjul, The Gambia
Faxes: 00 220 497442
The Editor, Daily Observer newspaper, PMB 131, Banjul, The Gambia
Faxes: 00 220 496878
Kanzlei der Botschaft der Republik Gambia
126, Avenue Franklin Roosevelt, B-1050 Brüssel
Telefax: (00 32) 2-646 3277 - (S. E. Herrn Ismaila B. Ceesay)
PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat,
or your section office, if sending appeals after 12 May 2000.
______________________________________________________
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