By Mustapha Jallow
Fatoumata Jawara, a United Democratic Party (UDP) supporter who was part of those arrested on Thursday, 14 July, 2016, while protesting for electoral reforms in the country was not part of the UDP crew who were arraigned in court last week. The UDP executive members including its party leader Lawyer Ousainou Darboe and other supporters are currently facing six count charges before Justice O. Ottaba of the Banjul High Court. According to earlier reports by Foroyaa, Fatoumatta was not seen on the 20 and 21 April, 2016 during the first and second appearances of the defendants and her whereabouts at the time of going to press is still unknown to family members.
This reporter visited her residence in Tallinding and was told by family members that Jawara never returned home since she left the house on the day of the demonstration and they have not received any information about her.
‘‘We are aware that she was arrested with the other protesters and taken away but still now we do not know her whereabouts,’’ disclosed a family source.
According to the family, they went to the high court during the two sittings of the UDP case in order to see her but she was not among the accused persons in the dock. The Source added that the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) was also visited to enquire if she has been admitted there but no positive information was given to them.
When asked whether they have taken any step in visiting the security detention centres in the country, the source indicated that they are yet to do so as they do not even know where she is being held.
