Alhagie Ceesay is "arbitrarily detained"says UN Agency, demands immediate release and compensation

Alhagie Abdoulie Ceesay

There has been an important development in the Alhagie Abdoulie Ceesay's case, the radio journalist and Managing Director of Teranga Radio FM.

The United Nations Working Group of The Office of the High Commissioner has reached the following opinion regarding the case of Alhagie Ceesay: that his "deprivation of liberty  is arbitrary" and as such the Government of The Gambia is being requested "to take the necessary steps to remedy the situation of Mr. Ceesay."

Justice Simeon Abi

The Working Group considers the "immediate release" of Mr. Ceesay as "adequate remedy" and "to accord him an enforceable right to compensation and to ensure that freedom of opinion and expression is better protected."

On the allegation of torture at the hands of the notorious NIA, the Working Group 'referred the matter to the Special Rapporteur on Torture for further investigations and appropriate measures."

S.K.Barkum, Public Prosecutor

These developments in the case of Alhagie Ceesay should serve as adequate notice to Gambia's Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mama Fatima Singhateh, Director of Public Prosecution, S.K.Barkum and Banjul High Court Judge Simeon Abi that this case, together with your professional conduct, is being monitored by us as well as the international community.

We demand that Alhagie Ceesay be set free and compensated in accordance with the conclusion of the Working Group of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights of the United Nations.