The President Should Revisit The Imprisonment of Femi

 

Prerogative of mercy is accorded to the Executive to speed up the remedy of any miscarriage of justice either due to legal technicality or the enforcement of laws which are yet to be brought in line with international standards of good governance.

 

It is a fundamental principle of jurisprudence that Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.

 

A political party will not be a political party if its members cannot exercise freedom of Expression to explain its policies, programmes, plans and membership practice to the electorate. A political party cannot be a political party if it does not enjoy freedom of assembly and association. It is obvious to all that opposition parties cannot be banned from holding political rallies and activities. Whatever may have happened with the application of the UDP must be temporary. It will be an irony for one person to be in jail while other party members are later given permits to hold meetings. The Gambian people have already started to appreciate the current wave of political activities in the country.

 

However, the incarceration of Femi has caused eye brows to be raised as to whether the atmosphere is being prepared for free and fair elections.

 

Femi Peters is now incarcerated. He is not imprisoned for what he has said. He is imprisoned for crimes associated with the use of loud speakers in public and for being in control of a procession. Nobody has complained of obstruction of traffic or violence of any sort. At least this did not come by way of evidence.

 

Foroyaa proposes that the president invites the Attorney General for advice on the case and its implication in terms of ensuring an atmosphere conducive for the holding of free and fair elections in 2011.

 

They should find out the grounds for denial of permit to the UDP. Were they reasonable and justifiable in a democratic society? Could they be defended before world public opinion?

 

In the spirit of the religion which Femi subscribes to, and the holiday the state has just declared that is meant for redemption, let the Executive facilitate his redemption in dignity in the spirit of multi-party fair play.

 

We also call on all political, religious and civic leaders to play their role in facilitating the type of reaction by the executive that will prevent old laws being enforced in a way that would abrogate the fundamental freedoms and rights which are constitutionally enshrined.

Mr. New Attorney General this is your first challenge as the legal adviser of the Executive.