 |
|
| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Momodou
Denmark
11828 Posts |
 Posted - 18 May 2006 : 01:47:42
|
FOROYAA Editorial:
THE "LAND OF HUMAN RIGHTS" IS CRYING FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
The Gambia houses the African Commission on Human and People's Rights and the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies, two very important human rights institutions on the Africa continent, which gives it the image of the "land of human rights"
The conduct of the executive on human rights does not give the country that image.
Just as the executive have been vibrant in condemning the coupists for the unconstitutional and undemocratic behaviour, they have to show much greater respect for and commitment to the constitution.
NGOs and other concerned individuals are not criticizing the government for simply arresting suspected coupists as the Attorney General and Secretary of State for Justice would like us to believe. The point is our democratic constitution does not permit detention without trial. It therefore speaks loud and clear in section 19 that a detainee should be brought to trial or released within seventy two hours. This is what the Attorney General as the principal adviser of the government should ensure is embraced by the head of state since he has taken oath to defend the constitution and to treat all and sundry without fear or favour, affection or ill will.
The Attorney General has the daunting task to ensure that members of the security forces digest and pursue this and other fundamental rights. The Attorney General would have impressed his audience by acknowledging their pitfalls and promising to improve the human rights records. It makes no sense to try to defend a poor human rights record of the government.
Can he deny that some detainees are still being held up to six weeks now without being taken to court contrary? Where are Lawyer Denton, Nyabally and other civilians? Why are they held? Lawyer Denton had to go to court to secure access to counsel and the court order was dishonoured for a while. Nyabally's family are in distress because they don't know what their loved one has done and he still has no access to legal counsel after weeks of detention. After weeks of detention of The Independent management and a reporter only the reporter was charged with a misdemeanor. How do these developments make the "democratization process irreversible"?
Where are Vincent Jatta, Buba Mendy, Ngorr Secka, Balajo and others? Have they not been held for weeks?
The democratization process is not limited to the conduct of free and fair elections. It encompasses good constitutional behaviour.
As Attorney General he can contribute greatly to the democratization process by helping the executive to adhere to the constitution.
Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 37/2006, 15-17 May, 2006
|
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
|
|
Newfy
Western Samoa
462 Posts |
Posted - 18 May 2006 : 02:01:17
|
Hey, this is a good editorial..Momodou, thanks for sharing.
Just emailed the Amnesty International chapter in Brooklyn the other day. They said to keep sending letters about the detainment of the journalist Lamin Fatty, the civilians and the military personnel. Has it been over two month by now since they have been detained..?
|
 |
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
| Bantaba in Cyberspace |
© 2005-2024 Nijii |
|
|
|
Topic Locked
