On September 26, two journalists from “The Voice Newspaper” ,Editor-in-Chief Musa Sheriff Hydara and Deputy Editor Momodou Justice Darboe, were interrogated and detained for allegedly publishing false information about President Adama Barrow. The article in question, published on September 23, claimed the president had selected a successor as part of his plan to step down before the 2026 elections. The authorities accused the story of causing public alarm.
Hydara was released on bail but had to return for further questioning the following day, while Darboe, the story’s author, was detained overnight and charged with “false publication and broadcasting.” Both journalists face potential imprisonment and heavy fines if convicted. In 2018, there were recommendations to reform the country’s laws on false publication, but no changes have been implemented.
The Gambia Press Union condemned the arrests, asserting the journalists committed no wrongdoing, and urged the authorities to drop the charges. Despite publishing the responses of two senior officials from the president’s party refuting the claims, the charges against Hydara and Darboe remain.
The actions of the Gambian government have sparked concerns about press freedom and the use of legal measures to silence journalists. Critics argue that the arrests highlight the growing use of laws against so-called “false news” to stifle independent journalism and dissent. The International Federation of Journalists and other press organizations are calling for the immediate release of the journalists and the dismissal of all charges.
