From http://www.observer.gm

Editorial
What a shame!
By DO
Apr 14, 2004, 13:50

We condemn in the strongest terms the fire attack on the printing press of
The Independent newspaper Monday night which gutted the facility as is
adequately captured in our front page lead story today.

The attack deserves our condemnation because it will sully the image of the
Gambia as a tolerant and democratic state. Further, the attack is another
hard blow against the institution of press freedom in this country.

The attack is all the more scary because it is not the first of its kind
against this particular paper, and it is also one of several against the
media in this country. In 2000, the studios of Radio One FM was attacked
and partly destroyed. Luckily, that did not keep it off air for long,
thanks to public support.

Therefore, the Police are challenged to catch up with the perpetrators of
this most recent attack. No stone should be left unturned in their effort
to find those involved in the attack and make sure that they are brought to
justice.
The Press is a pivotal pillar in any democratic state. Any person or group
that feels that we can have democracy without a free and vibrant press is
living in delusion. The Press should be allowed to do its work without
hindrance. Those who see the Press as a threat should mollify their opinion
and instead see it as a partner in the quest for national development.

The private Press is employing Gambians, bringing in foreign exchange,
paying taxes to the State and nourishing our democracy; it therefore
deserves respect and support from all Gambians. This is why no one should
see the press in the myopic lens of what they write or broadcast, it is an
industry which if nourished would help to bring about a better Gambia.

Such attacks will not deter journalists. It will embolden them, revitalise
their spirit to do their calling even more firmly and give them much
deserved public sympathy. This is why such attacks are self defeating.

This attack has given a bad name to the reputation of the country, and has
once again reminded Gambians that while some are working hard to gather,
others are ready to scatter.

© Copyright 2003 by Observer Company

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