Lawmakers in The Gambia have approved an increase in the penalty for assaulting police officers, raising the maximum sentence to five years in prison. This decision is part of the ongoing deliberations on the Criminal Offences Bill 2022, which seeks to revise and consolidate criminal laws in the country.
Previously, the punishment for assaulting a police officer was a two-year prison sentence. The revised law now states that anyone who assaults, resists, or willfully obstructs a police officer while performing their duties commits a misdemeanor and could face up to five years in prison.
Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta emphasized the importance of discouraging crimes against law enforcement officers, describing such acts as serious offenses that undermine public order.
The bill also introduces similar penalties for assaulting individuals carrying out lawful duties or assaulting other law enforcement agents, with both offenses attracting five-year prison terms.
However, the disparity in penalties for similar crimes was questioned by Jeshwang lawmaker Sheriff Sarr. He pointed out that while civilians assaulting police officers now face five years in prison, police officers assaulting civilians are subject to only a two-year sentence for common assault.
Justice Minister Dawda Jallow clarified that the severity of the punishment depends on the nature of the offense. If the assault by a police officer constitutes torture, it would be treated as a more serious crime.
In addition, lawmakers approved changes to penalties for unsafe transportation by boat. Transporting individuals in unsafe or overloaded vessels, previously classified as a misdemeanor, has now been upgraded to a felony under the bill.
