Police Detained 19 Protesters Arrested Over PURA Data Price Floor Demonstration.

By Makutu Manneh

The Gambia Police Force has announced that 19 individuals arrested on Friday for protesting against the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s (PURA) newly introduced mandatory data price floor for GSM operators have been cautioned, charged, detained, and are currently under investigation.

In a statement, the police described the protest outside PURA headquarters as an “unlawful assembly,” noting that no permit had been obtained in line with public order requirements. The statement further identified the organizers as members of a group called GOMSABOPA.

“The Gambia Police Force strongly warns that no protest will be allowed without due process, and anyone found organizing or participating in unlawful assemblies will face the full force of the law,” the statement read.

According to the police, officers were dispatched to disperse the gathering, after which the protesters were arrested and taken to the Kairaba Police Station for further action. “police officers were dispatched to the scene to disperse the protesters, during which the suspects were arrested and escorted to Kairaba Police Station for further action.”

The following individuals have been confirmed to be in police custody:

1. Lamin Daffeh (Tanji)

2. ⁠Badou Secka

3. ⁠Yusuf Taylor

4. ⁠Tumani Colley (Serrekunda)

5. ⁠Killer Ace (Ali Cham)

6. ⁠Abdoulie T. Bah (Paradise Estate)

7. ⁠Alieu Sarr (New Yundum)

8. Bakary Jammeh (Bakau Sanchaba)

9. ⁠Musa Conteh (Tanji)

10. ⁠Rofine Camara (Brikama)

11. ⁠Ansumana Touray (Tallinding)

12. ⁠Bakary J. Sanyang (Wellingara)

13. ⁠Lamin F.M. Marigo (Sancha Sulley Jobe)

14. ⁠Fallou Gallas Ceesay (Banjul)

15. ⁠Yahya Jaiteh (Bundung)

16. ⁠Sisaho Danso (Bakoteh)

17. Sulayman Manga (Sinchu Sori)

18. ⁠Ebrima Jatta (Tallinding)

19. ⁠Lamin Sey (Tallinding)