Chapter 4: Political Persecution (Media, Political parties & Religion ) - User Friendly summary Gov. White paper with ICTJ and partners

How did a small West African nation endure two decades of brutal political repression and find its path to justice and healing? Join us as we uncover the dark history of political persecution under Yaya Jame's regime from 1996 to 2016. In this episode, we expose the horrific realities faced by political opposition leaders, religious figures, and journalists who were subjected to unlawful arrests, torture, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. We also delve into the specific case of the Kermot Ali village community, who were forcibly displaced due to their religious beliefs. 

We’ll also bring you up to speed on the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC)’s findings and the government's roadmap for addressing these injustices. Learn about the TRRC's bold recommendations, including the prosecution of key figures, legislative reforms, and the introduction of civic education programs. As we discuss the implementation period from 2023 to 2027, we'll shed light on the crucial roles that various institutions like the Ministry of Justice, the Gambia Police Force, and the Ministry of Education will play in fostering justice, reconciliation, and healing in the Gambia. Don’t miss this comprehensive overview of the TRRC’s monumental efforts to right the wrongs of the past.

Transcript

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Chapter 4.

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Political Persecution, media, political Parties and Religion. Trrc Findings. What Happened? From 1996,? The former government of Yaya Jame committed several forms of political persecutions, including suppression of political space, media and religious freedom, unlawful arrests, detention, torture, disappearances and extrajudicial killings of opposition political party leaders, religious leaders and media practitioners. Political opposition leaders and media practitioners were attacked on several occasions, meant to silence critics and to establish the former president in power. Freedom to worship according to one's wish was confined. For instance, the people of Kermot Ali village were sent away from their homes for the fact that they belonged to or subscribed to a particular sect of religion which was not correlated by the then government. This was one of the many other religious attacks committed by the former government and those that grew against the dictates of the former president Yaya Jame as to what religion one wished to worship pay the price. When did it happen? From 1996 to 2016. Who are the perpetrators? The then government of Yaya Jame, through the state security forces, the junglers, national intelligence agency, military, etc.

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Trrc Recommendation and Government Position. What is recommended? The TRRC recommends and the government accepts the following 1. Prosecution of the then president and some public and security officials. Two, review of the public order act by the national assembly. Three past legislation agency speech. Four restitution and rehabilitation of the indigal sec in the gambia kermode alley. Five established Five establish civic education programs in schools. When is the implementation period?

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from 2023 to 2027?. Which institutions are responsible for the implementation? Ministry of Justice, special Prosecutor Office, gambia Police Force, ministry of Interior, peace and Reconciliation Commission, ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, ministry of Higher Education, research, science and Technology, national Center for Arts and Culture, national Youth Council, national Council for Civic Education, ministry of Information, gambia Radio and Television Services, office of the President, gambia Armed Forces, ministry of Defense, ministry of Land, regional Government and Religious Affairs, national Assembly and the Joint Parliamentarians Committee. Thank you.