http://www.foroyaa.gm/modules/news/print.php?storyid=3133Sherifo United With Family, Other journalists Receive Visitors *Author: *Publisher | *Date:* 14-08-09 | *Topic:* Editorial The state has reacted to reports in the media regarding the concerns on the state of the 6 journalists. The primary concern was the separation of Sarata’s 7 month old child from her. The second concern dealt with the provision that a new inmate in a prison would not be entitled to visitors until he or she has served three months of his or her sentence. Sarata has been allowed visitors. The other journalists have also been granted emergency passes and have invited family members and friends to visit them. This is particularly important for Pap Saine who has a heart condition. The family members and friends were elated to see them. This confirms that the Media is the amplifier of the vital needs and concerns of a population. A state without a media is like a person without senses to perceive the world around him or her. Just as the senses protect the person from groping in the dark, the media prevents a state from committing or persisting in the commission of errors which are detrimental to the population. This is why every state which intends to govern according to the wishes and aspirations of a people must be tolerant of an informative and vibrant media. The issue of the 6 journalists is now centre stage. Individuals, Non governmental organizations, Governments and Union of Governments have issued statements and are developing plans of action on how to engage the Government of the Gambia to facilitate a speedy end to the incarceration of the 6 Journalists. Foroyaa would therefore advice those who are giving solidarity to the journalists to do so with sincerity and maturity. The time has come for all sectors of society to become focused. All human beings with conscience, irrespective of party affiliation should be interested in the case of the 6 Journalists. The statements which led to their incarceration are all connected to Deyda’s murder and the way the investigation is handled. Hence, those who wish to give solidarity for the release of the 6 Journalists should focus on the genesis of the case, its essence and outcome and its national and international implications. This will enable those in authority to reflect on the merits of keeping them in prison or effecting their release. The task of building a system which protects fundamental rights and freedoms enlarges democratic institutions and ensures smooth ascension to or transfer of political office on the basis of the consent of the people requires the active participation of all stake holders. Some should take it as their mission to promote the protection of human rights, others should take it as their mission to promote the enlargement of democratic participation and the institutionalization of democratic norms and others should work to create the political environment which would lead to free and fair elections. All these activities require broad sovereign consensus of one form or the other. The case of the 6 journalists is however very unique. It goes beyond the partisan boundary of opposition and ruling party. This is a national affair with international ramifications. Those who write or speak about it should seek to win all those with a minimum of social conscience, from across the board to give their solidarity irrespective of their affiliations. This is the way forward. This is the only way Deyda’s soul will come to rest in peace. His body will rest when only the murderers are on the run and not those who advocate for their capture and diligent prosecution. ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://listserv.icors.org/archives/gambia-l.html To Search in the Gambia-L archives, go to: http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?S1=gambia-l To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to: [log in to unmask] ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤