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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
 Posted - 18 Dec 2007 : 22:04:27
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Deyda Hydara Remembered
By Madi M.K.Ceesay -President of GPU
December 16 will be three solid years since Deyda was shot and killed by unknown assailants. The media fraternity, family members and loved ones deeply regret the circumstances surrounding the death of Deyda. “We the colleagues will only be consoled if the killers of Hydara were brought to book, though we preferred
having him alive than dead”.
Yes the crime has been committed, though it could have been averted if all was well. However since the killers were not stopped until they carried out their heinous act, it is only proper and fair that the law takes its course. The onus is upon government to make sure the killers are brought to book.
Since December 16 2004 when our colleague was killed, the journalists, under the organization of the Gambia Press Union, which Hydara himself served at one time as the Chairman, which position is now called President, felt insecure and are asking who will be the next victim.
Hydara did not only stop at serving the Gambia as Chairman of GPU but was the Treasurer of West African Journalist Association (WAJA). This goes to tell how Deyda contributed to the socio economical development of not only Gambia but the sub-region as a whole.
It is only in the good name of the Gambia and its government that all efforts are made to bring the killers to book. The Gambia’s press freedom records is down and that is not in the interest of anybody in or out of the country. The killing of Hydara and the closure of media outlets without a court order, for example, The Independent newspaper, the Citizen FM and The Citizen newspaper and that of SUD FM are all contributing factors to the poor press freedom records of our dear country.
Journalists like any other class of people are not and cannot be above the laws of the country. If they act against the law, the law should be applied as required. Equally if they step on others rights let the law be applied. This has always being the position of us as individuals or as an organized group at the Gambia Press Union. But on the other hand if others also violate our rights the law should be applied.
It is in this light that we are also calling on the government to do whatever it will take them in bringing those who killed Deyda Hydara some three years ago to book. I am of the belief that if the files of Deyda are not closed by now some improvement would have taken place. I therefore call on the relevant authorities to reactivate investigations into the killing of Deyda.
I pray that his killers are brought to book in the soonest possible time. And to his family and colleagues I say keep up the courage.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 147, 14 – 16 December 2007
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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