By Makutu Manneh
Prominent legal practitioner Assan Martin has revealed that police officers at Kairaba Police Station did not provide any reason for the arrest of members of Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA). Martin made the disclosure during an appearance on Kerr Fatou’s “The Brunch” show on Saturday.
According to Martin, he and other lawyers, including Lamin J. Darboe, visited the station following the arrests but were unable to obtain any explanation from the authorities.
When asked by the show’s host whether the arrests might have been ordered from higher authorities, Martin replied, “It is always the usual way that they do business in this country.”
He added, “But here is the thing: we have to face it. We cannot subject ourselves to this; it is almost like a dictatorship is creeping up. What is the problem of me today having an event in a closed public premises? If I am to have my event or a press conference, do I need a permit for it?”
Martin drew a comparison to the frequency of official events held by the incumbent at the State House, remarking, “What is good for the goose is good for the gander.”
He characterized the arrests as a serious violation of the rights of young people and called on Gambian youth to stand in solidarity with those affected.
Martin further argued that GALA’s anniversary celebration posed no threat to national security, citing Section 25(d) of the Gambian Constitution, which protects freedom of assembly, including the right to demonstrate unarmed.
He accused the government of undermining the rights of citizens and vowed that legal professionals and civil society would not allow dictatorship to return to the Gambia.
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