GPU Laments Impunity for Attacks Against Journalists Ahead of December 2026 Elections
Police Prosecution, Solicitor General & GPU President © Askanwi Media
By Michaella Faith Wright
The Gambia Press Union (GPU) has called for stronger accountability for attacks against journalists, urging state and police prosecutors to ensure that cases involving media workers are properly investigated and prosecuted where evidence supports legal action ahead of the 5th December 2026 presidential election.
GPU President Isatou Keita made the call during an engagement with state and police prosecutors on the safety of journalists at Bakadaji Hotel.
Keita said the engagement forms part of the GPU’s 12-month project, “Enhancing Physical and Digital Safety of Journalists in The Gambia,” launched in January 2026 with support from IFEX.
She said more than 18 cases of physical assaults against journalists and media workers had been recorded between 2017 and 2026, with perpetrators not held accountable in the cases cited.
“Attacks on journalists for the work they do are not only a matter of assault, which is punishable by law; it is an attack on the fundamental right to freedom of expression,” Keita said.
The Solicitor General and Legal Secretary, Hussein Thomasi, said protecting journalists was also important to safeguarding the public’s right to information and strengthening democratic accountability.
Thomasi urged prosecutors to ensure that allegations involving crimes against journalists are properly investigated and objectively assessed, with prosecution pursued where the evidence and law warrant it.
He said, “Where a journalist is assaulted, threatened, or otherwise subjected to criminal conduct in connection with legitimate professional activities, the appropriate response must be a proper investigation and, where the evidence and applicable law so require, prosecution.”
Head of Prosecutions and Legal Affairs at the Gambia Police Force, Abdoulie Sanneh, described journalists’ safety as “not solely a media issue,” but a rule-of-law and national security concern.
He called for stronger cooperation between police and state prosecutors to ensure journalists can work safely during the electoral period.
Group Photo of Delegates at the engagement © Askanwi Media
