Michael Scales Says The Jailing Of Gambian Journalists Is A Big Disaster For The Gambia!

Dear Mr. Editor,

 I must confess I did not sleep last night. Instead I found myself at this machine, of so many words, sending more words to Gambians across the Atlantic. The words that flew back were Gambians. Strong and resolute and full of resignation to yet another day to come that brings forth sadness for so many. Tonight, though tired, my thoughts are with those cast behind the shadow of those prison walls. Which hot cell and smell, do those we look up to, see through tired eyes this evening. What thoughts do they think and which memory of faces and smiles do they crave the most. A wife, a baby, a son, a lover. Which bed is empty and what dish from breakfast remains unwashed. Who amongst those who cast their hatred into this liars lie  of make believe sits with regret at what they have done.

President Jammeh Says “MANDIKAS” Accounts For The Highest Number Of Deportees!!!

As He Accuses Them Of Smearing His Image

Source: Foroyaa Newspaper

By Abdoulie G. Gibba

In his interview with Kebba Dibba published over the publicly owned GRTS television on the eve of July 22, President Jammeh dwelt into the issue of freedom of expression in The Gambia. He also made reference to an on going trial of journalists accused of sedition and defamation. In this edition, we will publish his comments on the disappearance of Chief Ebrima Manneh verbatim.  What hurts me most to be quite honest is this phenomenon of illegal migration. Am not a tribalist but I know there are tribes because I believe in creation? Tribe is just a culture and norm. But when you look at the statistics of people that are being deported at any given time, 98% of them are Mandinkas .When these people leave, they don't tell government. Government is not aware. And if they come out that they end up somewhere, then they come and say this person has disappeared, Yahya Jammeh has killed him.

British Entrepreneur Says The Gambia Is Unsafe For Investment Opportunities!!!

A British entrepreneur Michael Scales, is warning prospective investors from travelling to The Gambia, arguing that it is suicidal for any one to invest in a country, where human rights, and the rule of law are under constant attack. Scales in an interview with the Freedom Newspaper said The Gambia is a risky place for investment, and would not advise any investor to waste his resources, under a fragile political climate. He is not convinced that investors would be assured of their personal safety, and free market competition. Michael Scales also talked about the possibility of the GPU six journalists to be convicted by the High Court. Below is the full text of the interview. Please read on…

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Freedom Newspaper: What is your honest view about the GPU 6 defamation trial?

M.Scales: How honest would like me to be? Would brutally honest do ? The wrong persons are in the dock. Taking Gambian Law at its face value. To incite hatred leading to violence is a serious matter. To make threats to spill Gambian blood is a serious  criminal offence. To speak ill of the dead is a crime against humanity and Allah.....To demand loyalty with menaces to The Gambian National Army, is a bastardisation of the role of The Commander In Chief.To deny liberty without Just cause and without charge, past 72 hours and to deny council's advice and contact with family...contravenes the rights contained within The Gambian constitution.

Fate Of Six Accused Gambian Journalists To Be Decided Wednesday!!!

Defense Lawyers Called For The Acquittal Of The Accused Persons                          

By Staff Writer Bakary Gibba, Banjul                                    

Pa Nderry Mbai, as the High court in Banjul set Wednesday August 2009 for judgment, Mr. Lamin S. Camara Lawyer for the accused six journalists charged with sedition, defamation and conspiracy on Monday 3 August 2009 told the High Court presided over by Justice Emmanuel Fagbenle to acquit and discharge the accused persons as the prosecution has failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. Defense Counsel Camara argued that the prosecution’s submission are inconsistent, pointing out that the assertion that the accused persons are all members of the Gambia Press Union is inaccurate. He further said evidence before the court has not proven that the accused persons are responsible for the publication of the alleged seditious publication.

Is The Gambia Sliding Into A Blood Bath Nation?

Scales Critically Examines Jammeh’s Threats!!!

Dear Mr. Editor,

A strange feeling of despair has descended upon The Gambia. From this distance the world awaits the decision of The High Court on the fate of The Gambia's finest and most respected Journalists. I recall a letter I once sent to a Gambian Government Minister, echoing my thoughts that within my deep desire and consciousness to become a Gambian, must be accompanied by my desire and capability to suffer like a Gambian. Right now that feeling is upon me in earnest.