Police have arrested 14 protesters, including four women, outside Mile Two Central Prison, as tensions rise in the capital.

The group had been marching towards Banjul to protest the earlier detention of 23 youths, who were remanded on charges linked to previous demonstrations.

The march was led by environmental activist Kemo Fatty.

Police Intervention Unit (PIU) officers, heavily armed, intercepted the protesters at the prison gates, citing official orders to block the march.

Fatty insisted the protest was peaceful and lawful, appealing to officers to allow the group to proceed.

Despite these assurances, a chief inspector ordered the immediate arrest of all 14 individuals.

By Adama Makasuba