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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
 Posted - 01 Jan 2019 : 13:09:34
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TRRC Press conference
The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), on the 31st December, 2018, organised a Press Conference at its headquarters, Dunes Hotel.
The purpose of the press briefing was to explain to the Media and the general public about the preparations of the hearings scheduled to commence on the 7th January, 2019.
Speaking at the opening, Mr. Essa Jallow, Communications Specialist, TRRC, explained to reporters that arrangements for the hearings are ongoing; adding that a specific place would be provided to the Media for coverage. However, due to the capacity of the hall, space provided would be on first come first serve basis. "If a journalist is late and want to cover proceedings and the space provided is full, then he/she can use the public gallery," he expounded.
On gathering information for the TRRC, he told pressmen that the Commission hired a media partner to record the entire proceedings of the commission in both Video and Audio which would be made available to the Media Houses for publication. Therefore no journalist or any member of the public is allowed to take videos, record or take pictures during and after commission hearings.
However, Journalists are only allowed to use their notepad to cover proceedings of the commission but could also approach the Communication Unit for more information such as videos, Audio and pictures respectively.
Essa Faal, Lead Counsel, told Journalists that hearings would be in chronological order and there are already are witnesses lined up for the hearing starting from July 1994. He therefore urged journalists to be responsible in their work. He said the commission may sometimes issue orders for the restriction of certain informations when the need arises. Therefore anyone who ignores the order would be in contempt of court.
Barrister Faal, further explained that the media is supposed to act responsibly in terms protecting the identity, safety and security of witnesses that may not want to have their identities revealed.
According to him, there would be Victims/perpetrators hearings, Institutional hearings and thematic hearings respectively. He clearly told the media that the Commission has no Mandate to grant amnesty but could recommend for such person or persons be granted forgiveness, upon application after the applicant meets certain conditions
He stated that the media is a trusted organ in terms of disseminating information. Therefore the commission deemed it prudent to engage them not only in the hearing aspects but on other activities such as reconciliation and reparations. However, in doing that, the interest of the commission should not be jeopardised.
He spoke of the daunting task ahead of the commission and said all efforts would be made to achieve the objectives of the commission. He therefore implore on all Gambians to be patience with the commission and pray for it as well.
The Deputy Chairperson of the TRRC, Mrs. Adelaide Sosseh recalled the pivotal role the media played in bringing change in The Gambia. “We trust you and that's why we want you to be part of the process, rather than controlling everything at our level," she said.
She therefore urged the media to apply responsible journalism when covering activities of the TRRC.
Mr. Ebou Waggeh, head of video documentations and processing, assured the media that information meant for public consumption would be provided to them at no cost.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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TRRC: Press conference
