Momodou Justice Darboe, Editor of Jollof News Online, is facing a “common assault” charge after taking a photo of two Austrian nationals outside Banjul Magistrates Court.

Darboe said he was attacked from behind by police, and his phone was seized by Assistant Inspector General Lamin Sanneh.

Police claim Darboe assaulted an officer, a charge he vehemently denies, insisting he could not have committed the offense while being attacked.

Following his arrest, Darboe was detained at Police Headquarters in Banjul from around 1 pm to 7 pm before being granted self-bail.

He is required to report back to the police on 17 March as part of the bail conditions.

The Gambia Press Union (GPU) has condemned the charge, calling it harassment and insisting that taking photos of accused persons outside courtrooms does not violate any law or journalistic ethics.

GPU President Isatou Keita described Darboe’s arrest as “unacceptable.

This incident marks the second time Darboe has faced legal action for his reporting; in September 2024, he was charged with “false publication” while working at The Voice Newspaper, but the charges were later dropped.

By Adama Makasuba