Written by David Brewer

The Gambia Press Union (GPU) has set up an online petition calling on the country’s government to drop its charges against six journalists and set them free. The petition calls on the Gambian government to allow the journalists to carry on their work without hindrance and to end what the GPU calls the bullying of innocent journalists. The six are due to appear in court again on Wednesday.

The case has brought international condemnation with media freedom organisations staging demonstrations around the world calling for their release.

Amnstey has taken up the cause and staged a protest outside the Gambian High Commission in London last week when the journalists appeared in court only to be remanded.

The GPU petition was set up by the USA branch of the Gambian organisation and demands the following:

• That the government of the Gambia immediately drop all trumped-up and bogus charges against members of the GPU-Gambia executive and the editors and reporters of Foroyaa and The Point newspaper

• The charges of sedition brought against these journalists for criticizing President Jammeh are yet another indication that Mr. Jammeh considers himself above criticism and above the laws and constitution of The Gambia

• The charges are also evidence that the Gambian state has become a monster bully that delights in inflicting unnecessary pain and suffering on innocent persons merely for expressing their opinions and dissent on matters of national interest

• We stand behind the GPU-Gambia statement that disparaging comments made by President Jammeh regarding murdered Gambian journalist Deyda Hydara are uncouth and insulting to the memory of this decent victim of brutality

• We call on all right-thinking Gambians, friends of The Gambia, and the international community to bring maximum pressure to bear on the Gambian dictator to drop all sedition charges against these innocent journalists and allow them to continue doing their work without let or hindrance

• We call on all right-thinking Gambians, friends of The Gambia, and the international community to being maximum pressure to bear on the Gambian dictator to stop bullying innocent civilians and to recognize that he is not above the law

You can access and sign the petition by clicking here.