Members of GALA arrested during a gathering at the Westfield Youth Monument are expected to appear before the Kanifing Magistrate Court today following their detention by police.

The group alleged that the individuals were “unjustly arrested” while peacefully commemorating the first anniversary of GALA’s founding.

According to a statement issued by the movement, the gathering had been authorised by the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), which manages the Youth Monument, and participants were exercising their constitutional right to freedom of assembly.

GALA further alleged that the police action amounted to a violation of the constitutional rights of peaceful citizens.

“The actions of the police in arresting and detaining peaceful citizens represent a serious violation of fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution of The Gambia,” the statement said.

The movement has called on Gambians, especially youths, to gather peacefully at the court in solidarity with those appearing before the magistrate.

By Adama Makasuba