By Nelson Manneh
The Women Journalist Association of The Gambia WoJAG, on Thursday, 11 July 2024, in a press release raises concerns with the recent reports of physical, verbal, and cyber-attacks on two of its members, Kaddijatou Jawo alias ‘Dijah’of Malagen and Jainaba Sonko of QTV Gambia.
“Kaddy was physically assaulted and verbally abused by security officers at the National Assembly on Monday, July 8, 2024, while she was at the Assembly to cover Parliamentary proceedings,” WoJAG stated in their press release.
The release further stated that the attacker alleged that Kaddy was not modestly dressed and therefore would not be allowed entry into the legislative house. It added that the alleged attack left life-threatening bruises on Ms. Jawo’s neck.
“Jainaba on the other hand was subjected to online threats, bullying, and insults after a video of hers was circulated online where she criticized the conduct of peaceful protesters on QTV’s Morning Show. WoJAG condemns in the strongest of terms the actions of the National Assembly security officer and the Cyberbullying on the said young women Journalist,” the press release indicated.
WoJAG urged the public and the assembly to desist from such practices as they could serve as a potential threat to freedom of expression and Freedom of The Press.
“The attacks against both women journalists are unacceptable and deeply concerning. Women journalists already endure a lot of challenges in their daily work. Any acts of violence against any journalists, no less against women journalists is unacceptable standard of behavior in any civilized society,” said Annette Camara, President of WoJAG.
Banna Sabally, the Secretary General of the Association advised journalists to always adhere to the ‘Cherno Jallow Charter of Ethics’ while executing their work.
“Attacks of any form on journalists is a threat to the Constitutional mandate of Journalists in The Gambia. It threatens Freedom of Expression and Freedom of the Press and the public. To safeguard the country’s fragile democracy, the public needs to refrain from intimidating Journalists.”
“The Journalism profession is guided by moral principles that are clearly spelled out in the Gambia Press Union Code of Conduct. We cannot afford to be unethical while doing our work. Let’s at all times uphold the Code of Conduct to avoid any forms of biases and professional conduct that could potentially put us at risk,” Banna added.
The Women Journalist Association of The Gambia urged the National Assembly of the Gambia to address the attack on Ms. Jawo on the most professional standards and equally urged the public to avoid putting more vulnerable groups at risk of being constantly subject to online harassment.
The association urged both the national assembly and the members of the public to send complaints to the Media Council of The Gambia which vested power to resolve complaints against journalists.
