By Kemeseng Sanneh (Kexx)
The Prosecution Unit of The Gambia Police Force (GPF), yesterday, 9 November 2023 charged human rights activist Madi Jobarteh with three counts of seditious intention, Incitement to violence, and false broadcasting, contrary to the laws of The Gambia.
However, Jobarteh is yet to be arraigned before any competent court with his bail extended to November, 23rd 2023.
Information gathered by this medium further revealed that his phone is still in the hands of the police.
It could be recalled that Mr Jobarteh was released on bail after being arrested by the police at his residence on Monday 09th October 2023. The arrest occurred after he was summoned by the police on 6 October for questioning regarding his comments and posts on social media.
Jobarteh, at the time, told the police that he was unwell and would not be able to attend the questioning.
In response, the police warned him that failure to comply would result in necessary action including his arrest at his residence. As a result, Jobarteh was arrested on the 9th of October 2023, and was held in custody until October 11. He was later released on bail after spending three days in detention at the Anti-Crime Headquarters in Banjulunding and producing one Gambian surety who entered a bail bond of D100,000 with the condition of presenting himself at the SIU in Banjul on October 26, 2023. However, no charges were filed against him at the time.
Reliable sources say Madi Jobarteh’s health deteriorated while in detention at the anti-crime unit, resulting in his subsequent transfer to the Westfield Clinic, where security personnel were stationed to guard him.
Following his admission, Madi’s lawyers met with SIU officials on 11 October at the clinic to finalise the bail arrangements.
