By Mariama Marong
Prison authorities have denied holding prison inmates beyond the term of imprisonment.
Information received by Foroyaa allege that some inmates at Mile II Central Prison remain behind bars despite completing their sentences, as the Ministry of Interior delays signing their release orders.
Under Gambian law, prisoners who have served their full sentences require a release licence from the Minister of Interior before they can be freed.
In response to the allegations, Assistant Superintendent (ASP) Luke Jatta, Public Relations Officer of the Gambia Prison Department, dismissed claims that prisoners were being unlawfully held.
“Issuing a release license is not a right but a privilege granted at the discretion of the Minister of Interior and the Director General of Prisons,” Jatta said.
He added that only inmates who have served at least two-thirds of their sentence with good behaviour qualify for a release licence.
He distinguished this sort of release from being released after one has served his or her full term.
He said the Prison Department has not held any inmates who have served their full sentences. “If an inmate served his sentence fully without being released that is a violation of his [or her] rights and we have upheld the rights and wellbeing of all inmates,” he emphasised.
Jatta also rejected allegations of mistreatment, saying, “Torture does not happen in Gambian prisons. These claims are baseless.”
Legal experts say the problem is rooted in Gambia’s outdated Prison Act, a colonial-era law that gives the Minister of Interior unchecked authority over prisoner releases.
Jatta confirmed that the Ministry of Justice is currently reviewing the new Prison Act and it will soon be tabled in the National Assembly.
“The current law makes it difficult to manage prison affairs effectively,” he said. “The proposed reforms will help modernize the system and improve conditions for inmates.”
Despite request for comment, Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang has not responded to questions about why the release licences have not been signed.
Foroyaa has formally requested an interview with the minister and will continue following up the story.
