Yahya Jammeh administration has been ordered to pay millions in damages to various journalists by the regional court but the former ruler failed to comply with the ruling.
Government has paid 50% of damages awarded to two Gambian journalists by the regional court of Economic Community of West African States, the justice minister Abubacarr Tambadou has confirmed to Gambia Press Union.
The family of Deyda Hydara which was awarded $50, 000 in damages was given $25, 000 while family of Chief Ebrima Manneh which was awarded $100, 000 in damages was given $50, 000.
The third journalist, Musa Saidykhan who was supposed to be paid $200, 000, is still in negotiation with the authorities over his method of payment, sources said.
Gambia government has pledged to pay all the damages that were awarded against them at the regional court. Gambia has lost several cases to journalists at ECOWAS court during the days of Yahya Jammeh.
“It has taken a long time but we are very happy that finally Gambia government has complied with the ECOWAS court ruling,” said Emil Touray, president of the GPU.
Jammeh, now living in exile in Equatorial Guinea, has been accused of several human right violations including torture and killing of political opponents and journalists.
Both Deyda Hydara and Chief Manneh were believed to have been killed by members of his hit-squad.
Other journalists who have won cases against Gambia’s former dictator were Fatou Camara of Fatu Network, Alagie Jobe, Lamin Fatty and Fatou Jaw Manneh, all of whom are supposed to be paid D1, 000 000.
It is not clear when the damages awarded to the four journalists will be paid.
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