Africa-Press – Gambia. The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) has called for an independent investigation into alleged police abuses during recent protests against the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s (PURA) data price floor, which saw 45 people arrested and claims of torture and degrading treatment.
In a statement issued on Monday, EFSCRJ confirmed that it has formally submitted a letter to the Ministry of Justice, the Gambia Police Force, the Office of National Security, and the National Human Rights Commission, as the group urged these institutions to uphold their duty to protect human rights and ensure accountability.
EFSCRJ expressed deep concern over what it described as an “unlawful crackdown” on peaceful demonstrations held on August 22, 23 and 25 outside PURA offices. The protests, which began lawfully, reportedly escalated into arbitrary arrests, indiscriminate use of teargas, and degrading treatment of detainees, including minors and women.
According to the Centre’s monitoring, detainees endured overcrowded and unhygienic cells, with minors unlawfully held alongside adults. The group further condemned the reported cutting of dreadlocks of activist and rapper Ali Cham, known as Killa Ace, while in Mile 2 Prison, describing it as “a degrading act with no basis in law.”
Tear gas was also said to have been fired recklessly within the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court premises, an act EFSCRJ said violated both national laws and international policing standards.
“These incidents represent blatant violations of the Constitution, the Public Order Act, and human rights treaties binding on The Gambia,” the statement read.
The Centre demanded an impartial investigation into all violations, accountability for perpetrators, and a clear directive from the Inspector General of Police affirming that stationary public assemblies without processions or loudspeakers do not require permits.
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