ADVERTISEMENT

Government detains relatives of coup plotters, Says Rights groups

The government has refused to acknowledge the whereabouts or even the detention of many of them, effectively holding them outside of the protection of the law," the organisations said.

Gambia detained relatives of coup plotters

Gambian authorities have detained, and in some cases have "disappeared," friends and relatives of alleged suspects of a failed coup, including elderly women and a child, two international rights organisations said on Wednesday.

Most were arrested in the days following the attempted coup on Dec. 30. Some have not been heard from or seen since they were taken away in early January, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International said in a statement.

"The government has refused to acknowledge the whereabouts or even the detention of many of them, effectively holding them outside of the protection of the law," the organisations said.

"This amounts to enforced disappearance, a serious violation of international law," the statement said, urging the Gambian government to reveal the whereabouts of the detained and either charge or release them immediately.

ADVERTISEMENT

Gambia officials could not be reached for comment.

About a dozen plotters allegedly headed and bankrolled by U.S.-based housing developer Cherno Njie failed in an attempt to seize the presidential palace in a bloodless coup while President Yahya Jammeh was out of the country.

Njie and another alleged plotter, Papa Faal, 46, a former U.S. Army sergeant, both U.S. citizens with ties to Gambia, have been charged by U.S. federal prosecutors with conspiring to carry out a coup.

Amnesty and Human Rights Watch said one of those being held was 16-year-old Yusupha Lowe, son of Bai Lowe, a man suspected of taking part in the coup but who has fled the country.

The government has refused to provide any information about the boy's whereabouts to family members and there are growing concerns about his safety, HRW and Amnesty said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Two women in their late 60s, Mariam Njie and Meta Njie, whose sons were killed during the coup attempt, were arrested in early January and their whereabouts are unknown, the rights organisations said.

The U.N. special rapporteur on torture said in March that at least 52 people had been detained in the aftermath of the failed coup. Several have been released but it was unclear how many were still in incommunicado detention, Amnesty and HRW said.

Jammeh, 50, who came to power in a coup some 20 years ago, has stifled dissent in the tiny and impoverished West African nation. He has faced increased criticism from abroad over issues including his human rights record.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT