Urgent Action: DROP CHARGES AGAINST HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER (Gambia 40.22)

In May 2022, the Gambian President accused human rights defender, Madi Jobarteh, of being a “troublemaker” who wants to bring violence into the country. Since then, he has been receiving online threats, harassment, and intimidation from the Gambian authorities. He was arbitrarily arrested and detained. On November 9, 2023, he was charged with seditious intention, incitement to violence, false broadcasting and information. Amnesty International is concerned that the charges against Madi Jobarteh are politically motivated as they are based on his activities as a human rights defender, in violation of his rights to freedom of expression and association. 

take action:

• Write a letter in your own words or using the sample below as a guide to one or both government officials listed. You can also email, fax, call or Tweet them.
• Click here to let us know the actions you took on Second Urgent Action 40.22. It’s important to report because we share the total number with the officials we are trying to persuade and the people we are trying to help.

contact information:

sample letter:

Your Excellency, 

I am writing to express my concern about the intimidation, harassment, threats, and attacks against human rights defender, Madi Jobarteh. On May 2, 2022, Madi Jobarteh was accused of being “a troublemaker” who wants to bring violence and burn down the country, putting his safety and security at risk. Madi Jobarteh has since faced online intimidation, harassment, threats, and attacks.

On October 6, 2023, four officers raided Madi Jobarteh’s house and questioned him about his Facebook posts. They advised him to report to the police station when they left, which Madi Jobarteh refused. Subsequently, police vehicles were seen loitering around his neighborhood. He posted about the incident on Facebook on October 8, 2023. The next day, Madi Jobarteh was arrested and placed in judicial custody. The police also seized his and his daughter’s phone and denied access to his lawyer. On October 15, 2023, he was released on a bail bond of 100,000 Dalasis (approximately 1,500 USD). On November 9, 2023, he was charged with seditious intention, incitement to violence, false publication and broadcasting. If convicted, Madi Jobarteh could face up to six years in prison. On November 23, 2023, his case was sent to the Attorney General’s office for advice. 

I urge you to drop all charges against Madi Jobarteh as they stem solely from the exercise of his human rights. I also urge you to ensure all allegations of intimidation, harassment, threats, and attacks against Madi Jobarteh and his family are promptly, thoroughly, impartially, transparently, and effectively investigated. Finally, I urge you to ensure that Madi Jobarteh can freely carry out his human rights work without any reprisals.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

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