Protesters and Journalists Arrested During Demonstration Over Jammeh-Looted Assets in Gambia

Mass Arrests at Arch 22 Protest

A peaceful demonstration at Arch 22 in Gambia turned chaotic as authorities arrested multiple groups of protesters demanding transparency regarding alleged looted assets from former President Yahya Jammeh’s regime. The protest, which began around 11:00 a.m., featured banners with messages like “Release the names”, “Return back the assets”, and “Janneh Commission is a scam”.

Video credit to: StarTV – The Gambia

Three Waves of Arrests

According to eyewitness reports, protesters were systematically arrested in three separate groups as they arrived at the assembly point. Saibo Camara, spokesperson for GALA, was among the first detained. As police escorted him to their vehicle, Camara defiantly declared, “We are assembled at a public place and we have the right to gather because we are citizens of the country.”

Other prominent activists arrested included Babucarr Keita, Kexx Sanneh, Hakeem Touray, and Ousainou Gambia. The second and third groups of protesters met the same fate shortly after arriving at the scene.

Journalists Targeted While Covering Events

The crackdown extended to media personnel covering the demonstration. Mattar Jassey of Fatu Network was confronted for filming, while Alieu Ceesay (The Alkamba Times) and Sheriff Conteh (Independent Media) were arrested and taken to police headquarters.

Ceesay reported his phone was confiscated during the arrest. After persistent demands, authorities returned his device and released him without charges. The whereabouts and legal status of the detained protesters remain unclear at this time.

Source: The Point (Original Report)