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Prince
507 Posts |
 Posted - 12 Sep 2010 : 00:35:13
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A Scottish man serving a jail sentence for sedition in the Gambia has been freed, the Foreign Office confirmed.
David Fulton, from Troon in Ayrshire, was working as a missionary in the West African nation when he and his wife Fiona were jailed for sedition in 2008.
The couple admitted sending e-mails critical of the country's government.
The 61-year-old was freed on Friday after serving the sentence with hard labour. Fiona Fulton, from Torquay in Devon, was released last December.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-11271553
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"When injustice becomes law, rebellion becomes duty." |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 12 Sep 2010 : 01:19:24
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In this particular case, I think the verdict is unquestionably the right one as the defendants have pleaded guilty to the charges. However, it is undoubtedly clear that there was an abuse of discretion on the part of the magistrate in relation to the sentencing. These people came to the court and pleaded guilty straightaway. They did not waste the court's time and have shown clear remorse to the extent of making a public apology. That should have reflected in their sentence and I think the absence of it was a big flaw. However, the decision to convict was a right one. That doesn't mean they have actually committed the offence of sedition but the mere fact that they voluntarilly pleaded guilty to the charges was enough for the court to hand down a guilty verdict.
Regards
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I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
Edited by - Nyarikangbanna on 12 Sep 2010 01:22:32 |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 12 Sep 2010 : 15:16:39
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| This posting makes me frightened to visit Gambia. |
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toubab1020
12311 Posts |
Posted - 12 Sep 2010 : 17:15:15
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Gambia no problem  just remember,say nothing about politics or religion and in the smiling coast everyone will be your friend,.
(especially if you remember that the average Gambian has nothing,and you take action when asked the question," hello what have you brought for me,am I not your friend ?" )
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Lily
United Kingdom
422 Posts |
Posted - 12 Sep 2010 : 18:39:40
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| No need to feel frightened Bev- it's just a matter of being sensible. Same rules apply throughout the world - you don't insult your hosts loudly and publicly; respect the laws of the land (even if you don't agree with them!) and behave with respect - even if others aren't (seemingly) respectful to you. |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 12 Sep 2010 : 20:02:08
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quote:
Originally posted by Lily
No need to feel frightened Bev- it's just a matter of being sensible. Same rules apply throughout the world - you don't insult your hosts loudly and publicly; respect the laws of the land (even if you don't agree with them!) and behave with respect - even if others aren't (seemingly) respectful to you.
I disagree. The Fultons did not insult their hosts. I think they only admitted guilt because they wanted a quick way out of this so that they can return to the UK as quickly as possible. What they have done is within the ambits of free speech. It only becomes seditious if there was an advocacy of violence or civil disobedience against the state, the government or the administration of justice in the country. Having said that though, the conviction was valid since the Fultons voluntarily pleaded guilty to the charges levelled against them.
I disagree with the sentence because it failed to take cognisance of the fact that the Fultons pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, showed remorse in court and even went on to issue a public apology. It was just too harsh a sentence. In my opinion, the magistrate had exercised a fettered discretion in failing to take these factors into account.
Regards
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I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
Edited by - Nyarikangbanna on 12 Sep 2010 20:04:01 |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 12 Sep 2010 : 20:06:23
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quote:
Originally posted by toubab1020
Gambia no problem just remember,say nothing about politics or religion and in the smiling coast everyone will be your friend,.
(especially if you remember that the average Gambian has nothing,and you take action when asked the question," hello what have you brought for me,am I not your friend ?")
It is nice to see your funny side, Toubab |
I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
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Lily
United Kingdom
422 Posts |
Posted - 12 Sep 2010 : 22:02:14
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I agree the sentence was harsh. I am a total a supporter of free speech. My point only is that you don't make statements/utter words (and actually I don't think it was sedition) in places where you are likley to be arrested if what you are saying or suggesting is against what the government of the country likes. And please don't think I think that's right! Only that it's common sense - unless you are trying to draw attention to something - in which case - it worked.
Of course - I only know what I have read, not the full facts of the case. |
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toubab1020
12311 Posts |
Posted - 12 Sep 2010 : 22:07:34
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Agreed, a super posting, thanks. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12311 Posts |
Posted - 12 Sep 2010 : 22:10:21
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Thanks,the truth is often sad,smiles sometimes hide sadness as I think you know.
quote:
Originally posted by Nyarikangbanna
It is nice to see your funny side, Toubab
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 12 Sep 2010 : 22:30:31
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When I am in Gambia I am very careful what I say.
BUT in UK I feel safe, post on here, email etc....
The issue is if you return to Gambia could you be picked up for what you have posted on internet?
I really want to go back, but wonder if it is worth the risk. |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 13 Sep 2010 : 00:48:05
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quote:
Originally posted by Lily
I agree the sentence was harsh. I am a total a supporter of free speech. My point only is that you don't make statements/utter words (and actually I don't think it was sedition) in places where you are likley to be arrested if what you are saying or suggesting is against what the government of the country likes. And please don't think I think that's right! Only that it's common sense - unless you are trying to draw attention to something - in which case - it worked.
Of course - I only know what I have read, not the full facts of the case.
I agree. The Fultons should have been aware of the dire consequences.
Regards
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I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 13 Sep 2010 : 00:55:26
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quote:
Originally posted by gambiabev
When I am in Gambia I am very careful what I say.
BUT in UK I feel safe, post on here, email etc....
The issue is if you return to Gambia could you be picked up for what you have posted on internet?
I really want to go back, but wonder if it is worth the risk.
Gambiabev, You know we have a problem in that country but it is certainly not another Burma. I think if you follow lilly's advice, you will be safe. Not the best option but at least it is an option.
Regards |
I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
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turk
USA
3356 Posts |
Posted - 13 Sep 2010 : 11:10:57
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Gambiabev
Listen to the advise given by Nyarikangbanna. If you want to talk politics about Gambia, do it in UK. But when in Gambia, be quite. Leave the genuine political fights to Gambians who live in Gambia. They can take the risk. Do what Nyariknagbanna does. |
diaspora! Too many Chiefs and Very Few Indians.
Halifa Salah: PDOIS is however realistic. It is fully aware that the Gambian voters are yet to reach a level of political consciousness that they rely on to vote on the basis of Principles, policies and programmes and practices. |
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 23 Sep 2010 : 20:48:29
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They were as Guilty as sin and the reason the punishmnet was so harsh was based on the fact that they also pleaded "not guilty" for another charges which they were found guilty of. This is the same Missionary take notes my friends, who wore military fatigue running around town as if he was in the military with faked military licence plates on his vehicles. Listen to me carefully he was no missionary but a hustler hustling in Africa. He did not even have the money to pay for the bond, they were broke and living off complacent Gambians, thats all thats to it. Europeans in general already have an ideea that the African man honors and worships the whiteman because of his whiteness. He knew how to play the game and he played it well, wasn't he a convict from England?. Gambiabev you are just a bored old white lady half of what you say you have no clue about, Rest assured you are not a threat, nothing of value comes out of your mouth. Maybe I should come to England and wear military fatigues and army plates on my vehicle and talk shiit about the queen simultaneously...........................................................................Peace
http://observer.gm/africa/article/the-tale-of-a-convicted-couple
http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/jailed-briton-sinks-lower
http://observer.gm/africa/article/british-couple-gets-1-year-with-hard-labour
quote:
Originally posted by Nyarikangbanna
In this particular case, I think the verdict is unquestionably the right one as the defendants have pleaded guilty to the charges. However, it is undoubtedly clear that there was an abuse of discretion on the part of the magistrate in relation to the sentencing. These people came to the court and pleaded guilty straightaway. They did not waste the court's time and have shown clear remorse to the extent of making a public apology. That should have reflected in their sentence and I think the absence of it was a big flaw. However, the decision to convict was a right one. That doesn't mean they have actually committed the offence of sedition but the mere fact that they voluntarilly pleaded guilty to the charges was enough for the court to hand down a guilty verdict.
Regards
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
Edited by - Moe on 23 Sep 2010 20:59:58 |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 23 Sep 2010 : 21:25:35
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| Moe, why are you so insulting to me?! Did I ever insult you? |
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