Africa-Press – Gambia. Constitutional lawyer Lamin J. Darboe, who represented the 23 protesters recently arrested during a demonstration against the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), is calling on the Gambian government to improve conditions at Mile II Prison.
He described the remand wing as “unfit for human eyes.”
In an interview with The Voice, following the release of the protesters, Darboe stated, “Mile II Remand Wing is not an easy place. Obviously, the government needs to look at that and humanize the situation.”
He highlighted that the accommodation is severely overcrowded and the conditions are poor. Darboe argued that while in state custody, the protesters should have been treated as citizens who do not forfeit their rights. He stressed the need for the government to invest in improving the prison, noting that better living conditions would be a lasting improvement.
“It is a very difficult situation for those who know the place, and it should be humanized,” he added.
While pleased with the bail granted to his clients, Darboe declined to comment on whether they had suffered any trauma. He maintained that the protest was a lawful act of a democratic society and that citizens have a right to petition public institutions like PURA.
“People have the right to petition; there is nothing wrong with that,” he said.
He also urged public officials to reflect on their actions, reminding them that their tenures are temporary. “No one occupies a public office forever, for public positions are rotational,” he stated, challenging them to manage problems rather than amplify them.
According to court records, the 23 individuals, including Lamin Daffeh, Lamin Sey, and others, were charged with conducting a procession in a public place without a license on or about August 22, 2025, in the Kanifing Municipality, an act allegedly likely to cause a breach of the peace.
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