Journalists and the rule of law
Written by DO
Tuesday, 27 December 2005
Too often situations of conflict are created between media houses and the
state and, in particular, between journalists and the forces of law and
order.

The Daily Observer, like other newspapers, is aware of the precarious
nature of journalism as a profession in a world of conflicts.  Indeed,
journalists have lost their lives and continue to lose their lives in war
zones such as Iraq.  Thus, when a journalist is lost, the Daily Observer
cannot but see the loss in the general context of the profession and the
risk involved.


The death of Deyda Hydara was an event of concern and we continue to
support the police in their investigations to shed light on this case.


As we await the results of the investigations, it is the responsibility of
every professional journalist to support the due process of law. The
conference which was organised on 15-16 December for the commemoration of
Deyda’s demise was a platform that was a manifestation of the freedom of
speech as seen in the deliberations from the journalist fraternity,
although we dare say that some of the personal attacks were most
unprofessional and unfortunate.


The march or demonstration organised by the Gambia Press Union (GPU) and
the plan to lay wreath on the spot where Deyda died was an unfortunate
incident that should never have occurred.


We would like to state here loudly and categorically that the GPU should
not have organised a march which was not authorised by the police as
required by law.  Deyda was not a Christian and the idea of laying a
wreath on the spot where he died can only be interpreted as provocative,
especially when the site is in a public domain and when such a public
gathering of journalists was done without due permit from the law. Gambian
journalists must realise that they are not above the law and our parent
organisation must not be seen to be encouraging journalists to break the
law and to disobey the forces of law and order.
Stability and security cannot be compromised.  Acts of illegality should
not be part of the personality of a true journalist.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 27 December 2005 )
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