Media Release

 October 11, 2008

IFJ Condemns the arrest of Journalist by Gambia Authories

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the arrest and subsequent bail of journalist Pa Modou Bojang, of Yiriwa FM radio by the officials of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) in the Gambia.

“The frequent arrest of journalists in the Gambia in relation to their work is a deliberate attempt by the authorities to intimidate and cripple the media” said Gabriel Baglo, Director of the IFJ Africa office.  “Journalists in the Gambia have been going through turbulent times within the past few years simply because the authorities have become very much intolerant with the media.” 

Pa Modou Bojang, Station Manager of Yiriwa FM radio station was arrested by official of the NIA in front of his wife and children on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at the border village of Jiboro in the southern part of the country about 50 km from the capital Banjul.   He was handcuffed and quickly driven away to the NIA headquarters in the capital, Banjul were he was later granted bail to a tune of One million, five hundred thousand dalais (about US$75,000). His passport and laptop have been seized by the NIA officials. Pa Modou is still reporting to the NIA on bail.

The IFJ calls on the Gambian Government to be more tolerant with the media and to demonstrate the democratic principles that the country prides itself with. The continued intimidation and harassment of journalists in relation to their work can only been seen as an attempt to kill press freedom in the country.

For more information contact the IFJ at +221 33 842 01 43
The IFJ represents over 600,000 members in 120 countries worldwide