Madi Jobarteh, human rights activist, has given details about his invitation to the police for questioning over his Facebook posts.

He said four intelligent officers drove to his house on Friday in a tinted and numberless car. 

“They said they were from the State Intelligence Unit (SIU) and Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU). They said they wanted to question me about ‘some of my facebook posts’. I asked them which of my posts in particular but they never identified them. I told them I am sick and I am not going since invitation is a choice, unless if they arrest me.

“After consulting with their superiors they said they were asked to let me be since I am sick. But said when I get better I should report to the nearest police station or to their office,” he said. 

“I told them I will not hand myself over to any police station because I am not a criminal or a fugitive or under arrest, and therefore I will not report myself to any police station. I told them to call me if they need me. But to bear in mind that I have a right and choice to accept or refuse an invitation. 

“They have since left. So we will see what happens from here. Rest assured that I am neither scared nor intimidated. I have not violated any laws of the Gambia. All my posts and comments on Facebook and everywhere else are within the limits of the Constitution. 

“I have always upheld and abide by the values and standards of decency, peace, non-violence and tolerance in my writings, speeches and conduct. Therefore there is absolutely no reason why I should be called by the police. If they disagree with my views they have the right to respond hence there’s no need for an invitation,” he added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba