http://www.foroyaa.gm/modules/news/print.php?storyid=3133Sherifo United With
Family, Other journalists Receive Visitors *Author: *Publisher |
*Date:* 14-08-09
| *Topic:* Editorial

The state has reacted to reports in the media regarding the concerns on the
state of the 6 journalists. The primary concern was the separation of
Sarata’s 7 month old child from her. The second concern dealt with the
provision that a new inmate in a prison would not be entitled to visitors
until he or she has served three months of his or her sentence. Sarata has
been allowed visitors. The other journalists have also been granted
emergency passes and have invited family members and friends to visit them.
This is particularly important for Pap Saine who has a heart condition. The
family members and friends were elated to see them.


This confirms that the Media is the amplifier of the vital needs and
concerns of a population. A state without a media is like a person without
senses to perceive the world around him or her. Just as the senses protect
the person from groping in the dark, the media prevents a state from
committing or persisting in the commission of errors which are detrimental
to the population. This is why every state which intends to govern according
to the wishes and aspirations of a people must be tolerant of an informative
and vibrant media.

The issue of the 6 journalists is now centre stage. Individuals, Non
governmental organizations, Governments and Union of Governments have issued
statements and are developing plans of action on how to engage the
Government of the Gambia to facilitate a speedy end to the incarceration of
the 6 Journalists.

Foroyaa would therefore advice those who are giving solidarity to the
journalists to do so with sincerity and maturity. The time has come for all
sectors of society to become focused. All human beings with conscience,
irrespective of party affiliation should be interested in the case of the 6
Journalists. The statements which led to their incarceration are all
connected to Deyda’s murder and the way the investigation is handled. Hence,
those who wish to give solidarity for the release of the 6 Journalists
should focus on the genesis of the case, its essence and outcome and its
national and international implications. This will enable those in authority
to reflect on the merits of keeping them in prison or effecting their
release.

The task of building a system which protects fundamental rights and freedoms
enlarges democratic institutions and ensures smooth ascension to or transfer
of political office on the basis of the consent of the people requires the
active participation of all stake holders. Some should take it as their
mission to promote the protection of human rights, others should take it as
their mission to promote the enlargement of democratic participation and the
institutionalization of democratic norms and others should work to create
the political environment which would lead to free and fair elections. All
these activities require broad sovereign consensus of one form or the other.

The case of the 6 journalists is however very unique. It goes beyond the
partisan boundary of opposition and ruling party. This is a national affair
with international ramifications. Those who write or speak about it should
seek to win all those with a minimum of social conscience, from across the
board to give their solidarity irrespective of their affiliations. This is
the way forward. This is the only way Deyda’s soul will come to rest in
peace. His body will rest when only the murderers are on the run and not
those who advocate for their capture and diligent prosecution.

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