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Momodou
Denmark
11644 Posts |
 Posted - 15 Dec 2005 : 12:52:36
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Press release
15 December 2005
"Each passing day just adds to the outcry," one year after Deyda Hydara's murder
Reporters Without Borders issued a new appeal to President Yahya Jammeh today, on the eve of the first anniversary of journalist Deyda Hydara's murder on 16 December 2004, urging him to acknowledge the inability of the Gambian investigators to solve the case and asking him to request the help of a neutral foreign police force.
In a speech read on behalf of Reporters Without Borders by Gambia Press Union coordinator Demba Ali Jawo today in Banjul, the organisation reiterated its call to the Gambian government "to face the facts and equip itself to solve this terrible mystery by requesting help from the Americans, Europeans, South Africa, the UN or any other neutral country or body."
Léonard Vincent, the head of the Reporters Without Borders Africa desk, should have delivered the speech personally at a Gambia Press Union news conference on press freedom but he was prevented from travelling to Banjul because the Gambian authorities did not issue him a visa in time.
"Dear friends,
What do we know today, one year after Deyda's murder? That his killers are cowards and that they are still at large. That the person who pulled the trigger has no reason to be concerned about his future, as things stand right now, any more than the person who gave the order to do it. That Deyda's family has to live with this. That his widow, daughters and sons courageously confront a smear campaign by perverse investigators. And that his fellow journalists are not only threatened by an aggressive president but also by one of the worst sets of laws in Africa. But as each day passes we get stronger, because each day that passes just adds to the outcry.
For all these reasons, I am sad to be unable to be with you today. I am also angry at being unable to go with you to the scene of the murder on Sankung Sillah Street and transmit to you there a message from Reporters Without Borders secretary-general Robert Ménard that we have not forgotten you and that we are your allies. Deyda, who had worked for our organisation since 1994, was an energetic man who knew his rights. In The Point, he held up a mirror to the Gambian people. In Agence France-Presse, he was Gambia's spokesman for the entire world's press. He knew how to talk to us, at times to shake us. He knew how to share with us his concerns, his anger and his enthusiasm. No one answered his phone on the morning of 17 December 2004. Someone had decided to silence him for ever. Tears were shed in Paris, as in Banjul and elsewhere in the world.
No one whatsoever has been accused of being the murderer. We do not know the identity of the gunmen in the Mercedes taxis with no licence plates. We do not know who their boss was. Our anger is on a par with our uncertainty and for this very human reason we demand to know the truth.
After this stifling year of tension, mistrust and fear, things must be clear. If Reporters Without Borders cannot be with you today in Banjul, if I cannot myself read my speech to you, it is because President Yahya Jammeh now sees Reporters Without Borders as an enemy or at the very least as a troublemaker. But what do we want? We just want justice to be done. How? By discovering the truth. This goal is simple. There is nothing subversive about it. It should be shared by all those who cannot stand injustice, whether they are presidents, ministers, journalists, ordinary citizens or human rights activists. Indeed, I would like to say something to the Gambian government: "Help us. Deyda's family and friends need you. Promises given with your hand over your heart are not enough. We now need action."
But we have to be realistic. The investigation is going nowhere. I will not dwell on the "confidential report" which the NIA published in June. Let us just say that the investigators are not doing anything serious. Anyway, those who have something to say refuse to talk to them because they do not trust them. And without doubt, others also would have things to say but they are not being questioned.
There is no denying the fact that Gambia has been reeling since Deyda's death. The country has been badly hurt. The trust between press and government that is essential to keep a democracy alive is broken. As Pap Saine told me one day, Deyda's murderers have an immense debt to pay Gambia. The authorities cannot go on ignoring the legitimate appeals of one of the country's most respected families. Deyda's family and friends are demanding justice, but it is not just for them, it is also for the good of their country.
Reporters Without Borders would like to send a special greeting to all those friends of Deyda present here today who are not Gambians. Your help is essential, not just to show our Gambian friends that we share in their suffering. You are here today in Banjul to prove that the three shots that were fired at Deyda's car on the night of 16 December 2004 in Kanifing have echoed throughout the continent. This horrible murder is not just a matter for Gambians. It has sent a terrifying signal to all African journalists that they could also be gunned down if they do their job too well.
Let us continue to loudly proclaim Deyda's name in Ghana, Mali, Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Sierra Leone and elsewhere. Let us continue to say that we will no longer tolerate this kind of threat to leading African journalists such as Norbert Zongo, Carlos Cardoso and Deyda in the past, and others today. Let us continue to demand that the Gambian government should face the facts and equip itself to solve this terrible mystery by requesting help from the Americans, Europeans, South Africa, the UN or any other neutral country or body. The resources of Reporters Without Borders are also at the Gambian government's full disposal.
I would like to end my appeal by addressing President Jammeh directly. "Mr. President, a French philosopher recently wrote something you will have to agree with. He said: 'It is not because things are the way they are that we have to be resigned. It is because we are resigned that things are they way they are.' As Deyda might have said, I leave you to think about that. Good thinking, Mr. President."
Thank you."
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11644 Posts |
Posted - 20 Dec 2005 : 10:00:51
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DEYDA IS ALIVE
By Baboucarr Sowe
“Though his body is gone, his spirit is alive, because no one can silence the truth. Freedom of expression can only be inhibited, it cannot be wiped out. The people cannot be silenced.” This was the clear message that emerged from the International Conference on Press Freedom, Democracy and Development held in Banjul on 15-16 December 2005 to mark the first anniversary of Deyda Hydara’s killing which occurred on 16 December, 2004.
It became evident that rather than being intimidated by the killing, the media practitioners and civil society were emboldened and more resolute in pursuing freedom of expression.
It was also evident that freedom of expression was no longer seen as a matter for society as a whole.
The conference was well attended by media practitioners from all media houses, both electronic and print, public and private; whether critical or not. They were all united in their pursuit of freedom of expression.
United and emboldened they marched as one to the spot where Deyda Hydara was shot but to their utter disgust and amazement they found the Police Intervention Unit (Paramilitary) there. They were stopped from laying a wreath at the spot by the Police, who told them that they could not do so because they had no permit. They were asked which law requires them to obtain a permit from the police to lay a wreath but their only answer is that they are going by an order from above. The Secretary of State for Information was contacted by phone. She said that the development took her by surprise and promised to enquire and get back to the caller but the caller did not receive her call. Participants, especially international guests could not believe what was happening. Many could not understand the conduct of the government. They could not digest the fact that after three Secretaries of State failed to attend the conference; they stopped media practitioners and their supporters from laying a wreath in honour of Deyda Hydara.
From the site without laying the wreath the gathering proceeded to Bakau to commemorate the one year charity of Deyda.
Below is a full report of the conference proceedings, which we will serialise.
An International conference marking the first anniversary of the killing of a veteran Journalist,
Deyda Hydara, has called on the Gambian Government to allow an independent investigation into the murder of Deyda and provide a healthy working environment for Journalists. The two day conference, held on the 15th and the 16th of December at the Kairaba Beach Hotel, was organised by Civil Society organizations and the Gambian press union (GPU), Madi Ceesay, the President of the GPU called on the government to allow an international body of investigators to probe into the murder of Deyda. Mr. Ceesay added that since the government could not find out the perpetrators of the crime and many other atrocities against Journalists in the Country, it is fitting for an independent body to be allowed to do it.
Giving a chronology of attacks on media houses and media practitioners, he said that no case relating to these incidents has reached the Courts. “Recently a reporter with the Point News paper, Njameh Bah was severely beaten up and hospitalized for days”. Prior to that, he said there were attacks on Ebrima Sillah of the BBC, the Independent Newspaper, threats on Demba Jawo’s life, attacks on Radio one FM and most seriously the killing of Deyda. Mr. Ceesay therefore stated that the conference will go a long way in showing the role of the media in a democratic and developing Society. Giving his keynote speech, Lamin Barrow of Action Aid urged the killers of Deyda to come out in the open before it is too late.
“You know best why you killed him. If your motive was to silence him, yes you have succeeded in that, but his cherished ideals live on. No one can silence the truth, it must always be told, you can kill a person but there are many others who will always defend the truth,” Mr. Barrow said. He added that Action Aid regards the Media as a powerful avenue for a flourishing democracy and good governance, providing relevant information to our citizenry, preaching tolerance and fair play, and advocacy and influencing at local, national and international levels.
The President of the West Africa Journalist Association (WAJA) called on the authorities to take action or face action. Mr. Coulibaly described Deyda as an influential professional who was a founding member of WAJA. He noted that the West African sub-region has witnessed a series of assassinations of Journalists, harassment, arrest and closure of media outlets.
SOLIDARITY STATEMENTS
Pap Saine
Pap Saine of the Point News paper- said Deyda was a man who stood for the people and died for them (a martyr of Press freedom). He added that the perpetrators thought that killing Deyda will result to the closure of the paper, but that has not been the case.
Mr. Saine therefore called on the government to abolish all the bad media laws, which is hindering the Journalists to work professionally.
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF JUORNALISTS
Gabriel Baglo of the International Federation of Journalist, Africa Regional Office in Dakar, said our African governments have acknowledged the fact that the media play a significant role in development. “Still, media practitioners are finding it very difficult to go on their daily duties without intimidation, harassment, forceful arrest and detention in Africa. The environments in which journalists operate have become hostile, due to numerous negative legislations that are intended to clip the wings of journalists and to cage the profession.”
“The culture of impunity that has been growing in our societies and emerging democracies should be fought. In this regard, we once again call on the Government of the Republic of the Gambia, to redouble a full and independent investigation into the murder of Deyda Hydara in order to bring the perpetrators to Justice. The Gambia government needs to rebuild its image in the world. Sheikh Tidiane Sy on behalf of the Committee to Protect Journalists in New York, called on the government to take a number of steps to help improve the environment, including publicly affirming a commitment to press freedom and Journalists safety. “But official intimidation and harassment of the media has only continued,” the statement stated. “When the National Intelligence Agency released a report on the murder inquiry in June, it was widely denounced as unprofessional and an attempt to smear Hydara’s reputation, as well as that of his family. CPJ wrote to President Yahya Jammeh, expressing concern that instead of fostering trust, this report would further undermine public confidence in the investigation and alienate potential witnesses. CPJ called for the probe to be handed over to an independent commission, to be established in consultation with Gambian Journalists and members of the human rights and legal community. Other local and international press freedom and human rights groups have made similar calls.”
Amie Joof Cole, FAMEDEV
Amie Joof Cole of the Inter Africa Network for Women, Media, Gender and Development (FAMEDEV) said that it was unfortunate that the Secretary of State for Information, communication and Technology has decided not to attend this important Ceremony, which she said shows the government’s lack of commitment to Press Freedom and Freedom of expression.
“What is even disturbing is the fact that the SOS herself-Neneh Macdoul Gaye, is a Journalist, and I believe that it is in recognition of her profession that she got her present position,”
Mrs. Cole said. “It is sad to note that for twelve months now, nobody in this country has been able to capture or arrest Deyda’s assassins. With a population of over one million people and the size of about 10,000 square kilometres, the Gambia is too small for a killer to be hidden for 12 months.” She added.
“As Journalists and professionals we strive to work with responsibility, respect for the rule of law and abiding by the principles of ethical Journalism.”
“As Journalists our pens, our Newspapers, our Radio Stations, our TV Stations, our Websites or what ever means we utilize as our medium of communication are stronger than a million soldiers or security agents put together. We are the watchdog of Society; we are the eyes and ears of the public. Our task is a very noble one and we should be proud of it.”
Fatou Jagne of Article 19 expressed that the government should create a conducive environment for Journalist to operate in. She however, added that the assassination of Journalist is the most serious crime one can ever thought of. A Senegalese Journalist, Alpha Sall of APS also called on the Gambian government to create a peaceful Senegambia, that that will symbolize the solidarity and brotherhood amongst its people.
Elise Schieeler, a Danish Journalist also added her voice calling on the Gambian authorities to provide protection for Journalists and create a climate free of impunity by bringing the killers of Deyda before the law. Writing on behalf of the Gambia Press Union, United Kingdom Branch, Alieu Badara Sowe highlighted that during the last decade, arrests, intimidation, harassment, physical beatings, imprisonment and forced deportation of foreign Journalists have been the unfortunate daily experience of Journalists in the Gambia. “We would first of all like to use this occasion to re-iterate our call on the international community, law abiding governments, human right groups and members of the media fraternity to continue to apply much needed pressure on the Government of the Gambia to take the investigation into the assassination of veteran Journalist, Deyda Hydara more seriously.” The statement indicated. The GPU Branch in the United States in a statement signed by Baba Galleh Jallow said Deyda Hydara is more dangerous today to his enemies, the enemies of truth and justice in our country than when he was alive. “We rejoice in that, Deyda is today taller than he could ever have been during his lifetime, that he towers like a giant over the heads of his brutal murderers and that he continues to strike at the root of the evil that took his life.” Deyda is proving more dangerous to his criminal killers because he has turned the full force of the international searchlight on our country. By his death, he has brought our Country under a sea of light and driven away all the shadows and darkness, and removed all the covers behind which hypocrites and demonic killers can hide their evil acts.”
Mr. Jallow emphasized. Deyda’s son, Baba Hydara writing from Paris told the conference that his dad’s crime was to be a Journalist and live in a world where freedom of speech should be practised and at the same time trying to uphold the ethics of Journalism. “During this horrible time I was really shocked that the Government, instead of pursuing his killers, they tried to bring dirt to the memory of my dad, but thank God nobody paid attention to those absurd allegations. Therefore, let me take this opportunity to remind them that we are the victims and not the enemy. We are just asking for the truth about what happened and we have the right as Gambian Citizens to request for an independent investigation to be held since his killers are still at large.” The Minority Leader at the National Assembly and member for Serrekunda Central Hon Halifa Sallah also described Journalists as noble professionals who served as amplifiers to people.
The member for Wuli West, Hon. Sidia Jatta too condemned the killing of Journalist and called for a rapid investigation in to the murder of Deyda and other attacks on the media. Former National Assembly member for lower Saloum Hamat Bah also echoed similar sentiments, describing Gambian Journalists as hard working people. Adelaide Sosseh, the Director of World View said freedom of expression is an inalienable human right, and freedom of the press an indivisible part and a guarantee of other freedoms.
“There is no alternative to a free press. We have to be Vigilant in defending it. Let us recommit ourselves to the principles of a free, independent and pluralistic press that advances a culture of respect for human Security, human rights, for good governance and for social equality, peace and development for all nations and peoples.” She said. “No democratic society can exist without a free Press as indicated by Thomas Jefferson’s line that if he had to choose, he did prefer a free press without a government than a government without a free press. The Editor-in-Chief of the News and Report Weekly Suwaebou Conateh described Deyda as a Journalist who worked hard for his country and happened to die for that cause. He added that the series of attacks on Journalist in the past years have increased fear in Journalist that they can also be killed if they do their work properly. He also renew calls to the government to speed up the investigations of Deyda’s murder.
The Reporters Without Borders delegate, Leonard Vincent, who had difficulty coming to the Gambia, indicated that the so-called, confidential NIA report has provided no positive move. “After this stifling year of tension, mistrust and fear things must be clear. If Reporters without Borders cannot be with you today in Banjul, if I cannot myself read my speech to you, it is because President Yahya Jammeh now sees Reporters without Borders as an enemy or at the very least as a trouble marker. But what do we want? We just want justice to be done. How? By discovering the truth, this goal is simple. There is nothing subversive about it. It should be shared by all those who cannot stand in justice, whether they are Presidents, Ministers.” Mr. Vincent said. Madi Jorbateh, speaking on behalf of the Foundation for Legal Aid, Research and Empowerment (FLARE) said anywhere the press is muzzled, one has to be rest assured that the people of that society are equally silence simply because the press serves as the amplification of the voices of the people to reach each other as citizen on one hand, and on the other hand to hear and be heard by their government and representatives.
“In addition, we recall how these leaders promised to promote and protect press freedom. On this occasion, we are obliged to remind the Government of the Gambia of that promise and duty, and to also call their attention to the current situation in the Gambia, for truly the condition of the press has really deterioted far below what it was in 1994.” Madi indicated. Meanwhile, the conference had adopted a number of resolutions that it hope to engage the government with.
The commemoration of Deyda’s murder was characterised by the beating of a female Journalist by the police Intervention unit (P.I.U) The Journalist, Ramatoulie Charreh of the Daily Observer was severely beaten up on her way to the site where Deyda was gunned down. This happened when the Police barred the Journalists from going to the site to lay a wreath for their slain hero. She was rushed to the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital where she was treated. She was discharged the same day.
Source: Foroyaa Issue No. 97/05, 19-21 December,2005 |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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