 |
|
| Author |
 Topic  |
|
Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
 Posted - 11 Jun 2012 : 15:21:47
|
Ba Kawsu Fofana released
Monday, June 11, 2012
After nine days in detention, renowned Islamic scholar and imam, Ba Kawsu Fofana of Sanchaba Sulay Jobe has been released without any charges against him, his family has confirmed to The Point.
Read Full Story |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
 |
|
|
Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jun 2012 : 20:28:11
|
Imam Ba-Kawsu Fofana Alleges Torture
By Alhagie Ceesay
Friday, June 15, 2012
The outspoken Gambian Muslim cleric, imam and preacher, who was recently released after 9 days detention at the headquarters of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) in Banjul has alleged severe torture.
Imam Fofana said he was beaten with sticks and heavy pipes at the state spy agency’s office housed at the former Gambia Groundnut Cooperation at Marina Parade in the capital city.
“In the first night of my detention at the NIA on Thursday 31 May 2012, I was led to a dark room from the office I was detained. No sooner I arrived there than some unknown persons followed hitting me with heavy pipes and sticks,” Ba-Kawsu told The Daily News.
He also disclosed that some of his torturers used their both hands and slapped him on both his jaw and others punched him in the middle of his head.
Speaking with an unshakable faith, the Imam said he was asked by a senior official of the NIA whether he is interested in Gambia’s presidency, but just responded that he was not cultured for that as he is an Imam, preacher and a teacher.
Asked what was his reaction when he was being tortured, “I was putting it to my torturers that all those who were merciless and show cruelty to people in such a manner just for their belief did not continue because they can’t continue to live like that” he responded.
He also revealed that on the second night of his detention, on Friday 1st June 2012 as his torturers were beating him, they filmed the actions, the purpose of which he said is not known to him.
He said they asked him why he referred President Jammeh as Banjul Mansa, when he is the president of the entire Gambia.
He showed tablets which he said were given to him by the NIA to deal with the pains as a result of the torture. The middle finger of his left hand is also swollen.
“Where is Musa Trawalley of Mali, under in whose hand Sheikh Hydara, a Malian Islamic scholar has suffered?” Kawsu rhetorically quizzed, adding that Hydara is now a celebrated preacher and an Islamic scholar in Mali, but Trawally is not what he was anymore.”
He stated that the long-bearded Islamic scholars are never allies to those at the helm of affairs in government no matter what sycophancy they play. He said the Wahabi Islamic sect have tried that in Saudi Arabia but it never last long.
Advising the nation and government to avoid religious tensions, Fofana said partisan politics should be separated from Islam, because its ruins a nation and its people.
“Imagine, a senior NIA official telling me to change my style of preaching. I am not inventing or innovating anything. All what I say are the words of Allah in the Qur’an and that of Prophet Muhammed, peace and blessing of Allah be upon (Salalahu alai wasallam),” he said.
On the tragic death of his daughter while he was in detention, the preacher who does not mince his words say that he must thank those who have been responsible in his absence, as they have done all what should beif he was present. He further stated that he did not get information about the death of his daughter until the time he was released.
He said since no one does Allah’s work for Him, as the omniscience, omnipresent and omnipotent, he will leave everything in His hands to judge and do justice according.
“I was told by a top NIA officer that I should stop naming names and tribes in my preaching for the sake of peace. Where have my preaching caused conflict? People rather come to my sermons and Islamic programs and leave enlightened and happy without problems. Or is it that the regulation of the manner of preaching is specifically designed for me, Ba-Kawsu as a fishing expedition,” he wondered.
He said there was a preacher who name the Manjago tribe and told them to stop palm wine tapping and convert to Islam and another who told the people of a particular constituency in Jarra not to vote a candidate who belonged to the AhmadiyaaJamat because he belonged to a different sect of Islam with the majority. He said there are still Imams who name people in their preaching in broad day light, very loud and clear. “If there Is no ulterior motive, why Ba-Kawsu?
Source: Daily News |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
|
|
| Bantaba in Cyberspace |
© 2005-2024 Nijii |
|
|
|
Topic Locked
