Police have released 12 members of Sess Nen protesters on bail for staging a peaceful sit down protest against the deteriorating conditions of the ferries which has exercebated travelling in the waterways from Banjul to Barra.

The head of Gambia Participate, Marr Nyang and Speaker of The Gambia National Youth Parliament, Omar Cham, were among the protesters who were arrested and released on bail.

Police said eight protesters were arrested in Banjul while four others were arrested in Barra.

“This action came after the Office of the Inspector General of Police denied a permit for the procession to the youth groups Nuimi Hand & Gambia Participate on April 17th. Despite the denial, the youths from both groups decided to proceed unilaterally.

“These individuals are currently being processed by the police to determine the appropriate and relevant charges based on their conduct,” police said.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba