On Friday, August 22, a coalition of activists from groups such as Gambia Against Looted Assets, Team Gom Sa Bopa, and the Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice staged a demonstration against the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s decision to set a price floor of D50 for just 1GB of internet data.
The protest quickly drew a strong police response, leading to the arrest of 19 participants who were later charged with unlawful assembly. After spending 24 hours in custody, authorities offered bail to all of them.
Only three agreed to the conditions. The remaining 16, including well-known activist and journalist Yusef Taylor and musician-activist Killa Ace, refused the bail terms and insisted on being released unconditionally.
Their stance has sparked widespread criticism of the arrests, with civil society groups and rights advocates demanding their freedom. The situation has also reignited debates about internet affordability in The Gambia and the role of PURA in regulating the sector.
Observers say the case could have far-reaching implications for freedom of expression, human rights, and the country’s democratic journey. Many are watching closely to see how the government will handle the protesters’ demand for unconditional release.
