Tapes of Imam's Biting Sermon Confiscated
http://allafrica.com/stories/printable/200308080589.html

The Independent (Banjul)
NEWS
August 8, 2003
Posted to the web August 8, 2003

By Makalo
Banjul

Reels of audio and videotapes on which Imam Abdoulie Fatty's hair-splitting
sermon was recorded last week for the national radio and television have
been confiscated, The Independent can reveal.

Personnel of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) reportedly blocked the
tapes from being broadcasted on GRTS radio and television last week, after
some "uncomfortable truths" were uttered by State House's fiery Imam Fatty,
who brazenly claimed that President Jammeh undoubtedly erred in his
decision over the veil and has consequently incurred God's wrath (see lead
story).

According to unimpeachable sources the recorded tapes were seized shortly
after last week Friday's congregational prayer at State House to prevent
them from being played on national radio and television to the hearing of a
stupefied public. Sources intimated that the confiscation order had
emanated from the president himself through Marcel Tomasi his Director of
Press and Public Relations (DPPR) at State House. Sources further indicated
that the personnel of the NIA had told the management of the GRTS that
President Jammeh had wanted to listen to the sermon, which was conducted in
his absence although the national media outfit later realised that the
tapes were not to be returned to them. Meanwhile in another development,
leaks from GRTS-Television suggest that personnel of the NIA were seen at
the TV premises on Tuesday evening after which Imam Fatty arrived to take
part in an Islamic programme.

Sources claimed that the NIA operatives were there to monitor the Imam's
utterances.

Earlier reports had also intimated that personnel of the State Guard had
confiscated audiotapes whose owners had recorded Imam Fatty's daring sermon
for private use. This could not be independently verified.




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