Human Rights Coalition calls for Dumo Sarho, others' Release

The Coalition of Human Rights Activists in The Gambia has called for the immediate release of Momodou Dumo Sarho and others who were recently arrested and detained.  The arrests and apparent disappearances of Mr. Sarho, Ebrima Yabo, Omar Darboe, and Lalo Jaiteh in recent times have caused widespread consternation among the general public.

Below we reproduce the text of the coalition's letter to the press.

 

'The Coalition of Human Rights Activists expresses serious concerns about the fate of Mr. Modou (Dumo) Sarho who was reportedly abducted from his family compound at Sanchaba Road, Serrekunda London Corner on Saturday 24th June 2000 around 3:30 pm.  At the time Mr. Sarho was sitting with some friends outside his family compound gate when an ash-coloured BMW (Reg. No. BJL 3716 A) drove up to the gate and he was called and informed by the men in the said car that he was under arrest to be taken to Banjul.  He then begged to be allowed to speak to his mother who was inside the compound. He was allowed to do so but was escorted by one of the men inside the car.  This man was later identified by those present at the scene as one Alhagie Jobe alias Alhagie Moor a man known to be working for the NIA.

All attempts to find out about the whereabouts of Mr. Sarho has proved futile.  The NIA offices in Banjul and the Banjul Police headquarters have been contacted by Mr. Sarho's wife and family but the said authorities have denied any knowledge of his arrest and detention.

The arrest and detention of Mr. Sarho is unconstitutional and illegal.  He has been held 

incommunicado for over 11 days without being brought before a court of law or allowed access to a lawyer.  Section 19 of the 1997 Constitution states clearly that no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention and anyone arrested on suspicion of having committed an offence shall be brought without undue delay before a court of law and, in any event, within 72 hours. 

The Coalition also received information about the arrest and detention of Ebrima Yabo, Omar Darbo, Lalo Jaiteh and Paul Sambou all reportedly detained for more than 72 hours without being brought before a court of law.

The Coalition urges the government security agents currently detaining Mr. Modou (Dumo) Sarho and others to unconditionally release them immediately and desist from interfering or in any way fettering their liberty.


Signed on behalf of the Coalition

Mohammed Lamin Sillah

Co-ordinator of the Coalition 

This letter is addressed to the IGP, Director NIA, secretaries of state for the Interior and Justice. 

--
Culled from "The Independent"

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