By: Modou Touray
Enya Braun,the program manager on Governance Corporation at the EU delegation to the Gambia said journalists play a central role in society acting as the voice of the people,the mirror of government and societal accountability and the defenders of democracy.
She made the remark while delivering presiding over the opening ceremony of the Validation and Capacity building Workshop on Assault and Battery Guide for Journalists held at the Bakadaji Hotel, Kololi from 5-6 November,2024.
” In the European Union,we deeply value press freedom, understanding that without it, democracy itself is undermined.We are here today to affirm our solidarity with Gambian Journalists,to help empower and equip them with the knowledge needed to protect their rights,and to support an environment that upholds the rule of law for all.”
She added the EU delegation to the Gambia is proud to support this capacity building initiative,which aims to address the pressing issue of media freedom violations.
” In recent years,there have been multiple instances where journalists have faced harassment, detention,and even physical assault in the course of their work.Such Challenges to the press freedom stand as obstacle to the progress that The Gambia strives to achieve.”
She further asserted that the EU believe that ,by building awareness and understanding of legal provisions, journalists can be better positioned to defend their rights and seek justice when they are wronged.
“Our hope is that through training sessions like this ,Gambian Journalists and the Gambia Press Union can deepen their understanding of legal procedures , empowering them to seek redress when their rights are violated.This training covers the scope of assault and battery laws,the process for filing complaints,and support that journalists can seek from the judiciary.
The training is organized by International IDEA for the Gambia Press Union with support from the EU Support to the Consolidation of Democratic dispensation in the Gambia.
