Culled from the GambiaNet Web Site

Date October 31, 2000
At least eight bars and motels believed to be the haunt of sex workers
around Serrekunda were vandalised and set on fire last night by marauding
gangs.

The burnt and vandalised bars include Mama Jankeh Wally Bar, Traveller's
Lodge, All Eyes Bar, Sillah Lodge, Njie Sahara, City Pub, Emma's Rendezvous
and Countdown Bar and Restaurant.

Weilding stones and cutlasses and carrying cans of kerosene, the attackers
were said to be chanting, "We are fed up with prostitutes!"

Earlier yesterday, the police issued a press release stating that following
the attacks, policemen assisted by officers of the National Guard were
deployed at the scenes and brought the situation under control.  The police
said arrests were made and a full-scale investigation was launched.


OVER 60 ARRESTED
Posted by GambiaNet, Wednesday, November 1, 2000

At least 64 people have been arrested in connection with the attack on sex
workers and the destruction of several bars that occured on Monday evening.
Among them were 20 non-Gambians.  Most of the detainees have been held at
Kairaba police station.  Police insiders said that they are still on the
lookout for more people and that their investigations were progressing well.

The police source also confirmed that 13 bars and motels were attacked; 3
were burnt down and 6 were seriously vandalised.  The source also revealed
that although the attacks were an organised crime, there was no link to any
religious movement as speculated by a number of people.

Meanwhile, Isatou Touray, a leading gender activist, has condemned the
mistreatment meted out to women suspected of being sex workers.

Speaking at Gamcotrap office yesterday, Isatou Touray urged the government
to bring the perpetrators to book.  She deplored that the women were
subjected to mental and physical torture, which she said was a gross
violation of their fundamental rights.

She also complained about the slow pace of justice in cases involving women.
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