Gambia: Detained journalist granted bail without charge
Augustine Kanja, a reporter of privately-owned Banjul-based The Point newspaper, was on June 24, 2009 released on police enquiry bail in the sum of 50,000 Dalasis (approx. 1700 US$). Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)’s sources reported that although Kanja has not been charged with any offence, he has been asked to report daily to the Serrekunda Police station.
Augustine Kanja, a reporter of privately-owned Banjul-based The Point newspaper, was on June 24, 2009 released on police enquiry bail in the sum of 50,000 Dalasis (approx. 1700 US$).
Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)’s sources reported that although Kanja has not been charged with any offence, he has been asked to report daily to the Serrekunda Police station.
Kanja, a Sierra Leonean, was arrested on June 22 at the premises of the Kanifing Magistrate Court while covering proceedings of the seven detained journalists and executives the Gambian Press Union who have been accused of publishing with “seditious intention”. The journalists were granted bail to reappear on July 7.
The sources said until his release Kanja was denied visits like many other detained journalists.
Prof. Kwame Karikari
Executive Director
MFWA
Accra
Tel: 233 21 24 24 70
Fax : 233 21 221084
Website : www.mediafound.org
Email: [email][email protected]