Gambia: Secretary General of AI Gambia released but concern remains

While the organisation welcomes the release of Mr Lamin Sillah, it remains concerned by his arrest and incommunicado detention that can only be seen as an attack on freedom of expression and human rights defenders in Gambia.

At least 10 members of the United Democratic Party (UDP) were detained on 15 October following fighting between UDP supporters and supporters of President Jammeh. At least 13 oppposition supporters have been detained since the election results were announced; the reasons for these latest arrests are unclear. Some of these people are detained incommunicado in the NIA and Amnesty International remains concerned for their well-being.

Amnesty International continues to ask the Gambian government to promptly release or charge those people still detained, to ensure they are protected from ill-treatment and allowed access to their lawyers and other visits. The organisation calls on the Government to ensure that the law is applied equally and without political bias.

Amnesty International will continue to monitor the situation carefully.