Group Photo Of The Participants And Officials From GPU, International IDEA And European Union
By Ramatoulie Jawo
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), in collaboration with the Gambia Press Union (GPU) and with support from the European Union, on Tuesday launched a two-day validation and training session for 25 journalists from various media outlets across the country.
The event, held at a local hotel in Kotu, aims to provide journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge for safely and effectively using a newly developed assault and battery guide.
The training session brought together editors, policymakers, and advocacy groups, focusing on equipping journalists with practical tools to protect themselves in high-risk situations. The guide covers key aspects such as the legal guarantees of press freedom and freedom of expression, the definition and scope of assault and battery, the handling of criminal assault cases, and the role of the justice system. It also explores alternatives to criminal prosecutions, such as civil suits and the use of the National Human Rights Commission’s mechanisms.
A report from the Gambia Press Union reveals that over the past six years, there have been more than 15 incidents of physical assaults on journalists and media professionals in the country. Although some of these cases are reported to the police, none have been thoroughly investigated, and no perpetrators have faced trial.
In his remarks, Muhammed S. Bah, president of the Gambia Press Union, emphasized that since 2017, the GPU has documented numerous incidents of journalists being assaulted and intimidated, mainly by political party supporters and security personnel.
“From the 2018 incident where a journalist was harassed and threatened while covering a political rally, to cases of physical assault by police officers during protests, these attacks serve as stark reminders of the hostile environment that often confronts members of the press. Such incidents are not isolated but part of a concerning trend that threatens press freedom and the fundamental right of the public to access information,” he said.
Mr. Bah emphasized that the role of the police in addressing these cases cannot be understated. Mr. Bah also stressed the critical role of the police in addressing such cases. “As the institution responsible for upholding the law, it is crucial that the police take allegations of assault against journalists seriously, investigate them diligently and hold perpetrators accountable when cases are dismissed or neglected. It sends a message that journalists can be targeted with impunity,”he said.
Jainaba Faye, Head of Country Office for International IDEA, highlighted the importance of the guide in providing journalists with vital knowledge and strategies to navigate risks effectively. “In an era where the safety of reporters is paramount, this guide stands as a testament to our commitment to ensuring the protection of journalists in their line of duty and as journalists you may find yourselves in challenging situations and this guide aims to provide you with essential knowledge and strategies to navigate these risks effectively.”
She stressed the critical importance of understanding assault and battery laws, noting that this knowledge is essential as it empowers individuals to protect themselves both legally and physically.
She further explained that the guide not only outlines participants’ rights but also provides practical advice on how to de-escalate potentially violent situations, ensuring their safety while performing their duties.
Meanwhile, Enya Braun from the EU delegation to The Gambia reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting press freedom and human rights in the country.
“Let me reaffirm that the EU remains a steadfast partner in supporting press freedom, human rights, and the rule of law in the Gambia, and we look forward to working with the Gambian government the media and all stakeholders to build a future where journalists can work without fear, where laws protect them and where democracy can thrive,”she committed.
Yankuba Jallow, a reporter for Foroyaa newspaper and a victim of assault, shared his insights on the importance of the assault and battery guidelines. He emphasized the significance of the training and validation process, noting, “The training and the validation are very important, components of our work, is going to be first time and secondly people are going to be capacitive on this especially the issues around assault these are legal concepts that not many journalists know about.”
He stated that many individuals entered the profession after the regime change, and the Gambia Press Union (GPU) has been working to organize various training programs. However, there is still a significant need for further training, and these are some of the key areas that need attention.
During the event, International IDEA donated two laptops, one printer, five filing cabinets, and four arch files. They also provided two-year subscriptions to QuickBooks and Google Drive to support the GPU’s secretariat.
The validation and capacity-building efforts signify a new chapter in the ongoing pursuit of a free and safe media environment, reaffirming the commitment to strengthening democracy, free expression, and the vital role of journalism.