Africa-Press – Gambia. A group of concerned Gambian citizens, acting in solidarity with detained youths, has formally requested a police permit to hold a peaceful protest calling for their release.
The request, submitted in accordance with the Public Order Act, cites Section 5 and Section 25 of the Gambian Constitution, which recognize citizens’ fundamental rights to freedom of assembly and peaceful protest.
In their request, the organizers emphasized that the protest aims to express collective dissatisfaction over the arrest and ongoing detention of youths who had peacefully gathered at the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to voice concerns over mobile data pricing. “It is our firm belief that their continued remand at Mile 2 is unjust, and we, therefore, respectfully seek their release and the delivery of justice in line with democratic principles and the rule of law,” the letter stated.
The proposed peaceful march is scheduled for Thursday, 28th August, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., commencing at Mile II Central Prison and proceeding to the Police Headquarters.
Along the route, the demonstrators plan to make a brief stopover at the judiciary premises to deliver a petition to the relevant authorities before continuing to the Inspector General of Police for the formal submission of their final petition.
The organizers assured authorities that the march would be conducted in an orderly and disciplined manner, fully adhering to guidance from the police to ensure public safety throughout the demonstration. They also reaffirmed their commitment to seeking police clearance in line with legal requirements for public protests.
“We count on your understanding, cooperation, and timely approval of this request,” the letter concluded, submitted on behalf of the solidarity group advocating for the detained youths.
The request comes amid growing public debate on the rights of citizens to protest and the treatment of youth activists in The Gambia, as authorities weigh the balance between maintaining public order and protecting constitutional freedoms.
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