Gambian journalists Babucarr Ceesay and Abubacarr Saidykhan were released on bail on Monday. The pair, who were detained over the weekend, were released on a bail bond of 250,000 dalasi (Approx. €6,300) each.
Ceesay and Saidykhan are additionally required to report to police headquarters on Sep. 17. IPI sources in the country told IPI earlier this week that police had not released a charge sheet, but news reports said that the journalists had been charged with “conspiracy to commit felony”.
In a separate incident, BBC correspondent Thomas Fessy today reported that he was denied entry into The Gambia after he arrived at Banjul International Airport. Fessy, who was held for five hours, said on BBC radio that he was only released after the British High Commission intervened despite having a valid visa for the country.
The journalist reported that he was in The Gambia to cover the president’s recent decision to execute nine death row prisoners.