Gambia-L,
Below is a statement I received a shortwhile ago from Amnesty International
in London.
Ebrima Ceesay
Birmingham, UK.
>From: [log in to unmask]
>To: "ebrima ceesay" <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Urgent Action on Gambia - Amnesty International
>Date: Wed, 12 Apr 2000 19:14:51 +0100
>
>
>AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
>URGENT ACTION
>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: + 220 227034
>Salutation: Dear President
>
>Minister of Interior
>Honourable Ousman Badjie
>Ministry of Interior
>71 Dobson Street, Banjul
>The Gambia
>Telegrams: Interior Minister, Banjul, Gambia
>Faxes: + 220 223063
>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: + 220 225352
>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: + 220 497442
>
>The Editor, Daily Observer newspaper, PMB 131, Banjul, The Gambia
>Faxes: + 220 496878
>
>and to diplomatic representatives of Gambia accredited to your country.
>
>PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat,
>or your section office, if sending appeals after 12 May 2000.
>
>(See attached file: 12700100.wp)
><< 12700100.wp >>
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