H.E. President Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh
State House
Banjul
The Gambia

Fax: +220 227 034

Vienna, 21 October 2003

Your Excellency,

The International Press Institute (IPI), the global network of editors, leading journalists and media executives in over 120 countries, is deeply concerned at the attempt to burn down the offices of the bi-weekly Independent newspaper.

According to information provided to IPI, on the evening of 17 October, three unidentified individuals attempted to burn down the offices of the Independent. In doing so, the men severely damaged the office of the Managing Editor of the Independent, Yorro Jallow, and the offices of the newsroom. At present, the newspaper is unable to print and it is looking for an alternative place to work.

During the incident a security guard was attacked and beaten by the men. The security guard managed to prevent further damage to the offices and was able to call for his security firm for assistance. He was later hospitalised as the result of his facial and head injuries suffered during the attack. Although the police were called at the time of the incident, they did not arrive to take notes and carry out interviews until the following day.

IPI is deeply troubled by the incident because it appears to be a blatant attempt to prevent the newspaper from publishing. Moreover, the attack showed a disregard for life and property and it was only the brave actions of the security guard that prevented further damage. With this in mind, IPI calls on Your Excellency to insist that the police carry out a full investigation into this incident so that the perpetrators may be swiftly brought to justice.

In addition, IPI is worried that the attack may be part of an ongoing attempt to harass and intimidate the staff at the newspaper. On 19 September, the editor-in-chief of the newspaper, Abdoulie Sey, was arrested by plainclothes security guards. Although he was later released, the incident was similar to the arrest of one of the newspaper’s journalists, Pa Ousman Darboe, on 19 July 2002.

We thank you for your attention.

Johann P. Fritz
Director