Gambia
Embassy story leads to arrestPosted Feb 20 2009
Pap Saine, editor and co-publisher of The Point in The Gambia, was detained three days after he published a story about a diplomatic reshuffle at the Gambian Embassy in Washington. Saine was held for eight hours in the serious crime unit at police headquarters in Banjul.
According to the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Saine was charged with “false publication and broadcasting” and questioned over the authenticity of the article. Saine was also questioned about his Gambian citizenship. As proof of nationality, Saine provided his birth certificate, passport and national identification card, MFWA reported.
Saine was released from jail after posting bail but is scheduled to appear before the Kanifing Magistrate Court on Feb. 19.
IPI urged Gambian authorities to dismiss the charges against Saine.
More information
- International Press Institute
- Media Foundation for West Africa