Gambian journalist and activist Yusef Taylor has revealed he went without food for 48 hours while leading a hunger strike inside Mile Two Prison.

Taylor was among 23 youths arrested last week during protests against soaring internet data prices. He said detainees refused meals in protest at what he described as both “disgusting” prison food and the rising cost of mobile data.

“I haven’t eaten food in 48 hours, only drank water,” Taylor said.

“The food is terrible, not enough, and the living conditions are very bad.”

He accused authorities of trampling on citizens’ rights: “Gambians are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, but instead we are hauled into custody. We just want them to bring the data price floor down.”

Fellow detainee and rapper Killa Ace alleged they were tear-gassed in transit, beaten in custody, and forced to sleep on hard surfaces in “horrible” conditions at Mile Two.

The group was released following public outcry and youth-led demonstrations.

By Adama Makasuba