BANJUL – SCORES of critics, including a magistrate, former deputy minister and two journalists are held in communicado alongside opposition supporters as polls set for Gambia in December are shrouded in controversy.

Among those unlawfully detained amid government’s crackdown on critics include journalists Momodou Sabally, the head of the Gambia Radio and Television Services and Bakary Fatty, a reporter for the same organisation as well as Sarjo Jallow, the former Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister.

They are yet to be charged.

Rupert Colville, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights spokesperson, said in the run up to the presidential elections of December 1, it was particularly crucial that the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association are fully respected.

The latest detentions come as 30 members of the main opposition party are serving out three-year prison sentences following their participation in peaceful protests in mid-April.

Colville expressed concern at continued failure by authorities to investigate the deaths in custody of opposition member, Ebrima Solo Krummah, and opposition leader Solo Sandeng earlier this year.

A former wrestler, President Yahya Jammeh, in power since unseating his uncle i na coup in 1994, is seeking re-election.

– CAJ News