The number of members of Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) arrested during an operation by the Police Intervention Unit has risen to 13.

The arrests followed attempts by GALA members to celebrate the movement’s anniversary at the Youth Monument in Kanifing, an event police earlier said required official clearance under public order regulations.

Those reportedly arrested include Fallou Gallas Ceesay, Alieu Immortal Bah, Maimuna A. Bah, Ebrima Genius Janha, Ebrima Kaira, Alieu Sarr, Omar Camara, Hakeem Touray, Abdoulie T. Bah, Kaddy Jadama, Kexx Sanneh, Omar Sanyang and Muhammed Sillah.

Supporters of the movement condemned the arrests, describing the detainees as peaceful citizens exercising their democratic rights. Calls have since intensified for their immediate release.

The development has sparked renewed debate over public assembly laws and the handling of civic activism in the country, with some activists and public figures questioning the decision to disperse the gathering and detain participants.

The police have maintained that the gathering violated existing laws governing public events and processions.

By Adama Makasuba