The Gambia:Freedom of Expression on Trial

February 2010

An International Bar AssociationHuman Rights Institute Report

International Bar Association

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Material contained in this report may be freely quoted or reprinted,provided credit is given to the International Bar Association

The Gambia:Freedom of Expression on Trial

A report on the trial observation of thecriminal prosecution of:

Pap SAINE

(Editor-in-Chief and co-founder of ‘The Point’)

Sam SARR

(Managing Editor of ‘Foroyaa’)

Bai Emil TOURAY

(Secretary-General of the Gambian Press Unionand Deputy Editor of ‘Foroyaa’)

Sarata Jabbi DIBBA

(Vice-President of the Gambian Press Union and Reporter for ‘The Point’)

Pa Modou FAAL

(Treasurer of the Gambian Press Union and Deputy Editor of ‘The Point’)

Ebrimah SAWANEH

(Deputy Editor of ‘The Point’)

Abubacarr Saidy KHAN

(Reporter for ‘Forayaa’)

Held before the Banjul High Court before Mr Justice Joseph Wowo between3 July 2009 and 10 July 2009Held before the Banjul High Court before Mr Justice Joseph Wowo on 23 July 2009Held before the Banjul High Court before Mr Justice Emmanuel Fagbenlebetween 27 July 2009 and 6 August 2009

An International Bar Association Human Rights Institute Report supported by the John D andCatherine T MacArthur Foundation and the Media Legal Defence Initiative.