Drop the bogus charges against Pap Saine

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its regional body the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) yesterday called on President Yahya Jammeh and his government to drop what it calls 'bogus charges' against Pap Saine, editor and co- proprietor of The Point Newspaper, with immediate effect and to desist from the continued intimidation of the Gambian press.

In a press release issued yesterday, Gabriel Baglo, Director of the IFJ Africa office says: “The sequence of events concerning the editor of The Point Newspaper is a clear indication of systematic harassment and intimidation that is directed at crippling the paper and gagging press freedom. It seems that the Gambian authorities have specifically targeted the Point Newspaper, which is presently, the only independent daily in the country, in order to silence dissent views.”

On Monday February 2, Pap Saine was arrested and detained for eight hours and was eventually released on bail. He was later charged with the “publication of false information” and had already appeared in court. Pap Saine was later rearrested and questioned about his citizenship by the authorities. He appeared in court yesterday and today under this new charge and his case has been adjourned to March 11.

According the Gambia Press Union, “Initially, Mr Saine was brought before the Courts charged with one count of false publication in reference to a story captioned Arrested Gambian Diplomat now at Mile II. Reappearing today [Wednesday], a second count of false publication was added to the charge sheet for a story on its January 30th issue captioned Three Gambian Diplomats recalled. Saine is also due to reappear at the Banjul Magistrates Court (10kms away) the same day, at midday on a trial in relation to his citizenship.”

It could be recalled that in 2005 Pap Saine was arrested with two of his colleagues, by the authorities and his citizenship was also questioned. He was later cleared by the same authorities that are today once again questioning his citizenship.

Saine is now appearing in court for two different cases and the Gambia Press Union has expressed concern that the government is vengefully exploring possibilities to nail him down, even after bestowing a media award to him recently.

The IFJ calls on the Government of Yahya Jammeh to drop the bogus charges against Pap Saine with immediate effect and to desist from the continued intimidation of the Gambian press.