Gambia Press Union has intervened in the row between the media and the National Assembly after dozens of reporters from media houses were denied entry into the Assembly chamber to cover the Justice Minister’s appearance before lawmakers for the reading of the draft constitution.

 “The leadership of Gambia Press Union is currently at the National Assembly premises engaging the authorities to give access to all the media houses interested in covering the proceedings. 

“This is in reaction to the disturbing information from reporters on the ground that only certain media outlets are allowed entry into the Assembly,” the umbrella body of Gambian journalists said.

“While that discussion is ongoing, we wish to make it clear that the GPU was not involved or aware of any plan or communication to limit the number of media outlets covering such an important National Assembly proceeding today. We could not have been involved in any such discriminatory scheme.

“We are of course aware that because of the physical distancing arrangements in the gallery at the National Assembly, the number of people to be admitted would be limited.”

The GPU statement added: “However, in such instances, what would have been the most ideal thing is to have prior discussion with all media houses, particularly those that constantly cover the Assembly sessions, to make sure all are accommodated somehow. 

“Meanwhile, the outcome of the discussion with the Assembly authorities will be communicated in due course.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba