Gambia: IFJ and FAJ Call for independent investigation into death of Deyda Hydara

Media Release

December 15, 2008

Four Years After Journalist’s Murder, IFJ and FAJ Call for an Independent Investigation into the Death of Deyda Hydara

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has reechoed its stance on the need for the Gambia Government to allow independent investigation into the murder of Deyda Hydara, in order for the perpetrators of this heinous crime to be brought to justice.

“It has now been four years since the callous murder of Deyda Hydara and yet still no one has been charged for this grave crime against humanity” said Gabriel Baglo Director of the IFJ Africa office. “The Government of The Gambia has not demonstrated enough commitment in investigating Deyda’s murder. The initial investigations conducted by the Police and later the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) were too watery and no doubt extremely below international standards. Hence the need to allow independent investigators into the matter, as it has become evident that The Gambia cannot make headway in this case.”

The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), which is the African Regional Organisation of the IFJ, also expressed today its deep sadness at the murder of Deyda Hydara. Marking the fourth anniversary of Deyda’s death, FAJ has called upon the Gambian authorities to fulfil their international and domestic legal obligations to guarantee freedom of expression and the safety if its citizens.

“Deyda Hydara was a highly respected and courageous journalist who gave hope to his colleagues and ordinary people in the Gambia. He was targeted for murder because of his work as a prominent journalist who championed freedom of expression. We urge the Gambian Government to end impunity and the violence perpetrated against journalists.” said Omar Faruk Osman, President of FAJ.

Deyda Hydara, the editor and co-proprietor of the private newspaper, The Point, was brutally shot dead on December 16, 2004 while he was dropping off two of his workers after celebrating the thirteenth anniversary of the paper. His killers are still at large. Deyda was very critical of the government’s repressive media laws, most especially the Media Commission Bill, which he and some of his colleagues challenged in court.

Journalists and media organisations in the Gambia continue to face attacks, threats and intimidation, including death threats. For the past decade, the media in The Gambia has been subjected to a relentless wave of suppression and repression by the government, characterised by the torture of journalists, arbitrary arrest and incommunicado detention, forced exile, arson attack on media houses, forceful closure of media houses and disappearances. “We received credible information from our colleagues on the ground about serious threats made against them in order to silence them” said Gabriel Baglo.

“We call on the Gambia Government to uphold the rights of all citizens of The Gambia and to allow a thorough, impartial and independent investigation into the murder of Deyda Hydra, and that the findings of the investigation made public and the perpetrators brought to justice in accordance with international standards” declared Omar Faruk.

Attacks on independent journalists illustrate the risks under which they work in The Gambia. “Four years after the murder of Deyda Hydara, no one has been arrested or charged. Deyda’s murderers are still at large and there have been no independent or credible investigations into this callous act” said Omar Faruk.

IFJ and FAJ call on the authorities to clearly and indisputably speak out in defence of Gambian journalists who are now struggling to work professionally and independently and respect their will to talk openly about the current situation in The Gambia. “Our colleagues must be able to carry out their activities in safety and without fear of harassment or intimidation” Omar Faruk said.

Furthermore, IFJ and its African Regional Organisation will continue to follow the case closely and will relentlessly continue to call for the protection of journalists in The Gambia. “We deplore impunity that is prevailing in this country and thus cannot continue to remain mute when our colleagues are killed and maimed for simply reporting the truth. These grave onslaughts on Gambian journalists are just unacceptable. The Government of the Gambian must show tolerance to the media and create the conducive environment for the media to play its role.

For more information contact the IFJ at + 221 33 842 01 43