Gambia: torture, inhuman or degrading punishment or other treatment impermissible in new Gambia

Erstveröffentlicht: 
02.08.2017

The 1997 Constitution forbids torture or inhuman or degrading punishment or other treatment. Section 21 commands that, “No person shall be subject to torture or inhuman or degrading punishment or other treatment.” This is a fundamental right and it is entrenched.

 

Needless to say, stripping a suspect naked or half naked to extract information from him or her is inhuman and degrading and has no place in New Gambia.

President Barrow who has sworn to defend the Constitution is obliged to investigate reports of torture or inhuman or degrading treatment whenever it shows its ugly face in order to nip it in the bud at once before the canker worm wreaks havoc.

Allegation of torture by Lance Corporal Sambujang Bojang of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) needs the urgent attention of the president. No such report should be taken lightly.

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Foroyaa Newspaper, 02.08.2017

QUESTION OF THE DAY

According to section 9 subsection (3),

“If at the termination of the inquiry the Coroner is of the opinion that an offence has been committed by some person or persons unknown, he shall record his opinion accordingly.”

However, subsection (4) of this section holds that “If at the termination of the inquiry the Coroner is of the opinion that no offence has been committed, he shall record his opinion accordingly.”

Then, “…. the Coroner shall forthwith transmit the proceedings or a certified copy thereof to the Chief Justice.”

The police should get the guidance of the office of the Attorney General on what to do under the law. A Coroner should be appointed to conduct an inquiry into the death of Ebrima.