PUBLIC STATEMENT 18th March 2026
EFSCRJ Calls for Immediate Freedom and Dropping of All Charges against Journalist Momodou Justice Darboe
The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice calls on the Gambia Police Force to immediately and unconditionally free journalist Momodou Justice Darboe and drop all charges against him.
Today marks seven days since Darboe was arrested and detained on Wednesday, March 11, for taking photographs of litigants outside the Banjul Magistrates’ Court. To date, the Police have failed to issue any public explanation for his arrest. Instead, the journalist has been subjected to repeated reporting requirements at Police Headquarters and charged with assaulting police officers without being formally arraigned before a court of law.
Darboe has further reported that he was physically assaulted by police officers during his arrest, sustaining injuries to his hands, and that his phone was forcibly taken out of his hands by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Prosecutions, Lamin Sanneh. These allegations raise serious concerns about abuse of power and violation of fundamental rights.
EFSCRJ considers this treatment to be unlawful, unjustified, and a clear act of harassment. Journalists have a constitutional right to gather information, including taking photographs in public spaces such as outside court premises, provided they do not obstruct proceedings. No evidence has been presented to suggest that Darboe committed any offence.
Subjecting a citizen to continuous police reporting without charge or trial is an abuse of process and a violation of due process rights. It undermines the rule of law and indicates intimidation of journalists and the erosion of press freedom.
We therefore demand that:
• Momodou Justice Darboe be immediately and unconditionally freed from reporting;
• All charges against him be dropped without delay;
• An independent investigation be conducted into the circumstances of his arrest, including allegations of assault and unlawful seizure of property;
• Any officer found responsible for misconduct be held accountable.
We remind the Gambia Police Force of its constitutional duty to respect, protect, and facilitate the work of journalists. A free and independent media is not a threat to the state, it is a cornerstone of democracy, accountability, and public trust.
EFSCRJ stands firmly with all journalists and will continue to defend the right to freedom of expression and press freedom in the Gambia.
2026 – Empowered Citizens. Accountable Leadership
