Courtesy: Freedomnewspaper.com Allez!! Haruna.
Breaking News: Gambia: UDP Rally Called Off-Amidst Heavy Security Presence
UDP Rally Called Off-Amidst Heavy Security Presence
The State Dispatches Four Trucks Of Armed Security Officers
Police Chief Omar Jawo Says “ The Police Is Not An Enemy To The UDP, Or Any Opposition Party.”
As UDP’S Ounda Nyang Receives Assurances From The Armed Security
By Staff Reporter James Jammeh, Banjul
Despite the postponement of the UDP Serrekunda Central rally, a heavy security presence could be noticed at the SIDA CLUB Saturday, where armed security offices were bracing up to disperse opposition supporters, the Freedom Newspaper can reveal. The busy streets of the Kairaba Avenue was stormed by the armed security who were out to shoot and kill anybody bent on disturbing the peace. They arrived in the area hours well before the planned meeting, which was later cancelled. UDP supporters told this paper that one of the reasons behind the postponement of the Saturday rally was due to the ongoing criminal case filed against Femi Peters by the state.
UDP’S former Presidential candidate, and party leader Lawyer Darboe has already made an application in regards to the said case-asking the court to transfer the matter to the high court. Darboe argues that the superior court has jurisdiction over Peter’s case and not the lower court.
Party supporters said in view of the pending case, they deemed it necessary not to indulge into activities that might be considered “unlawful and unconstitutional.”
Sources further told this paper that at the time of the arrival of the security officers, some UDP members were already at the venue for the ground preparations, as they vowed not to accept any more security abuse, or harassment. They say they have the right to hold a political rally, as a political party that is registered in accordance with the laws of the country.
Our sources indicated that despite their presence in the area, the security officers did not harass those present at the venue, but were armed in their gears with guns as well.
A UDP supporter told this paper that The Gambia belongs to all, so if any security officer thinks that the members of UDP are scared of them, they are making a big mistake. The UDP supporter vowed that they would never relent in the pursuance of their civic rights.
This paper was reliably informed that police commissioner of operations Omar Jawo together with one Landing Bojang a police superintendent confronted Ounda Nyang, the area Chairman of the party and assured him that they (the police) are not an enemy to the UDP, neither other opposition parties in the country. Jawo said they only want to maintain peace, tolerance, order and the general safety of all.
Meanwhile, the party officials have confirmed the story saying that the main reason to postpone the rally was in connection with the court case-pending the outcome of the application made by lawyer Ousainou Darboe at the courts, who also doubles as the party's Secretary General in the ongoing case of Femi peters, campaign manager.
This paper learnt that some of the militants who were present during the arrival of the armed security officers were Solo Sandeng and Lamin Ceesay, including some youth. The officers according to eye witnesses, came with four trucks full of officers. Two of the trucks was loaded with armed Gambia National Army soldiers, and the other two contained Police Intervention Unit officers.
The court is expected to make a ruling on the defense’s application on Monday December 14Th 20009 at 1:00Pm.
Posted on Sunday, December 13, 2009 (Archive on Wednesday, January 27, 2010)
Posted by PNMBAI Contributed by PNMBAI
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