Culled From the Independent:

Independent view:

 Dangerous Precedent

A dangerous precedent has been set. The arson attack on Radio One FM last Thursday has left Gambians gasping for breath.  The wickedness of the act of those 'unknown persons' is simply beyond comprehension.  It is almost inconceivable that Gambian could be so wicked to Gambian.

The question as to who did it has been asked by sections of the Gambian press.  But why it was done has not been openly questioned, though subtle references to the motive have been made.

The fact of the matter is that Radio 1FM was attacked because of its popular Sunday Newshour programme during which newspaper reports are read out, reviewed and analysed.  In addition, several matters of crucial national importance are discussed and most often than not, the government comes under severe criticism.   

It is common knowledge that this programme is very unpopular with the government and supporters of the ruling APRC.  George Christensen himself and several of his staff have reported threats made to them by anonymous callers and writers unhappy with Sunday Newshour.  Therefore, if the radio station comes under attack, it is only logical to conclude that it came under attack because of the Sunday Newshour programme.

There is no evidence to suggest that the government sent those people to go burn down the radio station.  Our information is that immediately after the attack on Thursday morning, security officers including at least one from the President's Office, had been sent to the station to conduct some investigations. Our opinion therefore, is that the attack was mounted by over-zealous supporters of the APRC desperate to end the criticisms levelled at President Jammeh and the government during the Sunday Newshour programme.  We are sure that many Gambians would share this view.

But these people, by attacking Radio 1 FM, have done more harm than good to President Jammeh and his government.  For while they can do what they can do, people will say what they want to say, believe what they want to believe and reach conclusions they want to reach.

It is our conviction that the best government is one that is always put on its toes by a constant wave of critical comment. A government that is never criticised, even if for the wrong reasons, is a government doomed to dismal failure.  So that the best thing a government or its supporters can do in the face of both justified and unjustified criticisms is to utilise their right of reply in the media.  Where people feel that their privacy has been violated by the press, they should have recourse to the law rather than take the law into their own hands.  This would lead to a state of terror and lawlessness that would spell disaster for this nation. 

We call on the security forces - the NIA, the police Serious Crime Squad and all other sections of the security apparatus to make sure that the culprits in this case are brought to justice, whoever they are.  Such a dangerous precedent must be made too dangerous to repeat.

Meanwhile, we emphatise with George Christensen and his staff. They must, as we are sure they will, continue the very good service they are rendering the Gambian nation. One day, history will absolve them and punish those who truly deserve to be punished. The Almighty, All-seeing, All-knowing God patiently watches over all actions. He shall judge with truth.

 Copyright 2000 QuantumNET
 
 

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