Activista condemns unlawful arrest peaceful protesters

Activista The Gambia strongly condemns the unlawful arrest and detention of 19 peaceful protesters, including prominent activist and rap artist Killa Ace and Yusef Taylor (Flex Dan), a Journalist who were exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of assembly and expression.
On Friday, 22nd August, 2025, a coalition of movements mobilized and staged a peaceful protest to express public dissatisfaction with the intervention of the Public Utility Regulation Authority (PURA), which had attempted to impose internet data tariffs detrimental to the average Gambian. The protest was conducted in a non-violent manner, posing no threat to public safety, and was rooted in solidarity with the broader population affected by these proposed measures.

Despite this, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) deployed security forces to forcibly disperse the demonstrators. This action not only undermines the spirit of democratic engagement but also violates the rights enshrined in the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia, particularly:
• Section 25(1)(d): which guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of assembly, association, and demonstration.
• Section 17: which obliges the state to respect and uphold the fundamental rights and freedoms of all persons.
Furthermore, this crackdown contravenes Article 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which affirms the right of every individual to assemble freely with others, provided they abide by the law.

We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained individuals and urge the authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect civic space, and respect the rights of citizens to peacefully express dissent. The use of force to silence legitimate concerns sets a dangerous precedent and erodes public trust in democratic institutions.

This protest was not a threat; it was a call for accountability. The voices of the people must be heard, not handcuffed.
We stand in solidarity with all those affected, and reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights of citizens to organize, speak out, and shape the future of our nation without fear or repression.