THE GAMBIA: Newspaper's offices attacked

The perpetrators of this cowardly act will be exposed one day.  Read on a
statement from CPJ.






New York, October 20, 2003—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the
Friday, October 17, arson attack on the offices of the private, biweekly
Independent newspaper, located in a suburb of the capital, Banjul.

According to local journalists, on the evening of October 17, three
unidentified men assaulted a private security guard in front of the paper's
offices, using tear gas and an iron bar and knocking the guard unconscious.
After tricking a second guard into leaving his post, the assailants doused
the building's windows and doors with gasoline and set it on fire, as well
as the electrical meter located outside. The attackers fled the scene
without entering the building, local journalists said.

The first guard was hospitalized and is recovering from his injuries.

Staff at the security firm alerted the fire department, which arrived to put
out the blaze. Staff also called the police, who inspected the premises the
next day. However, journalists at The Independent told CPJ that the fire
damaged the power supply to the building, and that the paper would make
alternative arrangements to print today's edition.

Gambian journalists said the attack may have come in reprisal for the
newspaper's reporting, which is highly critical of the government.

"We call on Gambian authorities to conduct a full and independent
investigation into this attack, and to ensure a safe environment for
journalists," said CPJ Executive Director Ann Cooper.

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