Halifa Addresses Jammeh

http://www.foroyaa.gm/index.php/burning-issues/12088-halifa-sallah-writes-to-president-jammeh

 

[  Mr President, your government has tried to distance itself from the murder of Deyda Hydara and the disappearance of Chief Manneh by conceding to external investigation. What image does it hope to give itself by ignoring all the national and international appeals for the release of Imam Baba Leigh?

It is becoming monotonous to repeat ad infinitum that you have sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution without fear or favour, affection or ill will. This oath should censor your behaviour.
Imam Baba Leigh left with his car and was led to his place of detention. You may investigate where the car is parked and find out how it got there. This case cannot be a case of disappearance. It is easy to investigate and get to the truth of Imam Baba Leigh's arrest and detention. Since the NIA is directly under the office of the President, you should find out from them where Imam Baba Leigh's transport is parked and those who parked it there should explain to you where he is and why he has been detained for 25 days in gross violation of Section 19 of the Constitution which gives him the inviolable and inalienable right to see a legal counsel within three hours of detention and be released or taken before a court within 72 hours of detention. This is the dictate of the Constitution. Section 19 (2) reads:
"Any person who is arrested or detained shall be informed as soon as is reasonably practicable and in any case within three hours, in a language that he or she can understands, of the reasons for his or her arrest or detention and of his or her right to consult a legal practitioner."
Furthermore, section 19(3) reads:
"Any person who is arrested or detained-
(a) for the purpose of bringing him or her before a court in execution of the order of a court, or
(b) upon reasonable suspicion of his or her having committed, or being about to commit, a criminal offence under the Laws of The Gambia, and who is not released, shall be brought without undue delay before a court and, in any event, within seventy-two hours."
Section 17 of the constitution obliges you and your agents to uphold Section 19, among other fundamental rights and freedoms. It reads:
"The fundamental human rights and freedoms enshrined in this Chapter shall be respected and upheld by all organs of the Executive and its agencies, the Legislature and, where applicable to them, by all natural and legal persons in The Gambia, and shall be enforceable by the Courts in accordance with this Constitution." ]

 

Folks,

Halifa did a great job on this piece. It is what it is babe…

Let’s go comrades!  Pass it around to inspire and motivate others to react.

Best regards,

Yero