Journalist Alieu Badara Sowe flees The Gambia after being threatened and attacked
**Updates IFEX alerts dated 23 and 8 May 1996** On 2 June 1996, Alieu Badara Sowe, a reporter for the independent weekly “The Point”, fled The Gambia for Senegal after being physically assaulted and receiving death threats. On 25 May, Sowe was walking home when three men attacked him. One of his attackers said, “As […]
Reporters Alieu Badara Sowe and Bruce Asemota arrested and held incommunicado; police order them to reveal sources
On 6 May 1996, Alieu Badara Sowe, a reporter for the independent newspaper “The Point”, and Bruce Asemota, reporter for the independent “Daily Observer”, were arrested by plainclothes police officers from the criminal investigations unit. The officers later ordered the journalists to disclose their sources for articles that they had written about the National Police, […]
Journalist Chikeluba Kenechuku deported to Senegal
On 16 April 1996, Chikeluba Kenechuku, a journalist for the “Daily Observer” newspaper, was instructed by authorities to report to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) office, where some of his previously seized documents and personal effects were returned to him. Kenechuku was then driven by NIA agents to Immigration Headquarters in Banjul and handed over […]
Three “The Point” journalists released on bail, but still face charges; trial to begin
**Updates IFEX alert dated 30 March 1995** Three “The Point” journalists, Pap (also reported as Pape) Saine, Badara Sowe and Brima (also reported as Ibrahima) Ernest, who were arrested by police on 30 March 1995, were released on bail the following day. However, the three journalists still face charges for “publishing false information,” in violation […]
Three “The Point” journalists detained
On 30 March 1995, Pape Sane, Badara Sowe and Ibrahima Ernest, journalists with the newspaper “The Point”, were detained by Gambian security forces. The journalists were arrested reportedly in connection with articles published in the 30 March edition of “The Point”. The articles concern a prison revolt at Mile Two, and the holding of four […]
Editor Deyda Hydara interrogated
Deyda Hydara, editor of “The Point” and President of the Gambia Press Union was interrogated for three hours by agents from the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the national information service in The Gambia. The reason given by the NIA was the publication, in the 27 February edition of “The Point”, of an open letter addressed […]