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Editorial: Did UK force Gambia to release jailed Briton?
Monday, 20 September 2010 01:26
Very little has been mentioned about the circumstances surrounding the release of David Fulton,
the Scottish ‘missionary’ man convicted on sedition charges in Gambia, yet there appears to be so many questions about the timing of his release.The Foreign office in UK, according to various British newspaper reports, only said that Mr Fulton had been released after serving his term.
However, going by his sentencing, David Fulton should have been expected out of the British-built ‘hell hole’ Mile 2 Prisons some time in 2012; the reason being that he, just in the third month of his and his wife’s initial one year jail term, was slammed with an extra three year term. His wife was released after completing her one year term.
So, did the Gambian government succumb to British pressure for the early release of David Fulton?
This is exactly what the Sunday Herald in Scotland suggested in its Sunday, 12 Sep. 2010 edition. It quoted a Spokeswoman for Christian Solidarity Worldwide as saying that David Fulton’s release from prison in Gambia followed “a prolonged campaign behind closed doors, and also a lot of prayer.”
Could this explain the reason for the sudden announcement by the UK Foreign Office, of the clandestine meeting between UK Minister for Africa Henry Bellingham and the Gambian Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Momodou Tangara?
Given the Gambia government’s penchant for enigma, the above questions are more of expression of surprise than answer seeking. And also given the surreptitious manner in which the British government handled the meeting with their newly found friends there is no chance from their end either.
The resulting development is indeed a gleeful moment for the families of David Fulton, and they have every reason to celebrate.
However, the fact remains that there are issues to be clarified here. There is absolutely no problem with engaging in a closed door diplomatic maneuver, especially when dealing with a leader like the kind we have in that country of ours. But when this is done, we must take note that what is good for the goose is also good for the Gander.
There are so many prisoners in that Gambian version of Auschwitz who deserve clemency, if this act really qualified for that name.
In spite of the British media’s biasness in overlooking the crimes the Fultons reportedly committed, we could argue that if they were true to their claim to morality, the British government could have made a better use of their effort by forcing Yahya Jammeh to yield and release Femi Peters and the many other prisoners who did not do anything in the first place that could have warranted their jailing.
While we want to see a better relationship between our government and the British government, especially UK being such a crucially significant partner, we would want to see such a goal reached in a way that would not compromise our effort to enforce democracy and the rule of law. Engaging in clandestine dealings with a government like the one we have in Gambia has the potential of sending the wrong message, and could serve as approval for continuation of the undemocratic dealings of this government of ours.
While we are not totally surprised that Yahya Jammeh could capitulate to the pressure of the people whom he hate so much for "ruling Gambia for 400 years with no development," we are disturbed by the attitude of the British government… But again, this just confirms what has always been said. When it comes to Western interest, nothing else counts in the face of the West.
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Comments
Of ciourse it is clear that Jammeh is a racist, and he has made it clear time and again that he hate them for ruling Gambia withoutdevelopi ng it. So what else? Maybe Brown just wanted to get his man released and get on the usual path 'The Professor knows best. Defiance! Let's see how it ends anyway.
My answer;
I am not familiar with the Gambian prison system..but would suspect it closely mirrors.that in the UK?
In the UK you can get upto one third remission for good behaviour?
Sometimes time spent on remand can also count towards the sentance.
It would appear that Mr Fulton has served two thirds of his sentance?
But I agree
with Jollof News...that an explanation should be forthcoming. Especially in this high profile case.{Transparency}
The High Commissions role..would be to visit The Fultons regularly and make sure they are being treated well.
I am aware that The Fultons had regular visits.
Hopefully Femi will be released soon.
ABout the relationship with the UK, let's see how it goes within these few weeks or months. Old habits, they say, die hards, don't they?
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