The Gambia: Press Union launches Foundation for Freedom of Expression
To commemorate World Press Freedom Day, the Gambia Press Union (GPU) on May 3rd, 2005 launched a "Deyda Hydara Foundation for Freedom of Expression" in memory of Gambian journalist Deyda Hydara who was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on December 16, 2004. According to Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) - Conakry source, the newly elected GPU President, Madi Ceesay explained that the Foundation's main objectives would be to support freedom of expression and media rights in the Gambia and ensure the protection of the lives and properties of journalists who are threatened because of their views.
IFEX Autolist (other news of interest)
From: Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), [email protected]
The Gambia: Press Union launches Foundation for Freedom of Expression
To commemorate World Press Freedom Day, the Gambia Press Union (GPU) on May
3rd, 2005 launched a "Deyda Hydara Foundation for Freedom of Expression" in
memory of Gambian journalist Deyda Hydara who was shot dead by unidentified
gunmen on December 16, 2004.
According to Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) - Conakry source, the
newly elected GPU President, Madi Ceesay explained that the Foundation's
main objectives would be to support freedom of expression and media rights
in the Gambia and ensure the protection of the lives and properties of
journalists who are threatened because of their views.
Deyda Hydara who was co-proprietor of the Point newspaper and correspondent
for the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) as well as a leading
member of the GPU was murdered in cold blood last December. Up to now,
those responsible for his killing remain at large despite repeated promises
by the authorities to pursue and arrest the killers.
At the time of his murder, Deyda was leading a protest against newly enacted
draconian laws that would further restrict press freedom in the Gambia.
Arrests, detentions, arson attacks, intimidations and death threats have
been the lot of Gambian journalists in the past years. The perpetrators
carry out these heinous actions with impunity and are often not punished.
The Media Foundation for West Africa takes this opportunity to restate its
deep concern about the security of journalists in the Gambia and calls on
the authorities of that country to respect the right of journalists to carry
out their public duty and social responsibility of informing the citizens of
the Gambia.
Prof. Kwame Karikari
Executive Director
Tel: 233 21 24 24 70
Fax: 233 21 22 10 84
**The information contained in this autolist item is the sole responsibility
of MFWA**