Journalist Abdoulie John Released Again, On Bail

Thursday, 10 January 2013 15:59

(JollofNews) – Abdoulie John, Gambia editor of JollofNews has been released again. Officials of the Gambian National Intelligence Agency (NIA) released him this morning, Thursday, 10 January, on bail.

But he is expected to report on Monday, as per his bail condition.

John, who also reports for the AP in Banjul, was first detained in December after an altercation with President Yahya Jammeh`s photographer, Sulayman Gassama. He was covering the release of Senegalese soldiers captured by rebels in the Southern Senegalese region of Casamance.

He was then released following wide international condemnation of his illegal detention on the orders of the NIA Director, Numo Kujabi.

However, he kept on reporting to the NIA`s offices in line with conditions for his bail, even though he couldn’t be charged with any crime, until his latest detention last Monday.

It is increasingly looking like the NIA is on a fishing expedition after failing to get any incriminating evidence to prosecute the journalist.

In fact it was his refusal to hand over his lap top and mobile phone to the investigators that prompted his detention.

Before his release this morning, the Officer Commanding the NIA Investigation Office, Sukuta Jammeh, told John that he was still under investigation.

“He elaborated on a number of issues regarding State Security. He then informed me that they will continue to keep my laptop as I am not complying with their demands. They still want me to open my email box. I refused categorically,” John told JollofNews.

As in December, during this latest detention John said he was on hunger strike since Monday.

“I am ready to sacrifice my life for my liberty...,” he swore.

The journalist also extended appreciation to all those who shared concern for his safety.
Written by Kemo Cham