Police have denied a permit to an association against deportation for a ‘peaceful’ protest against deportation, according to the association.

A statement signed by Gambia Refugees Association – Europe Branch’s spokesperson, Yahya Sonko said “The Gambia Refugees Association – Europe Branch in collaboration with Concerned Gambians Group in The Gambia is writing to express dismay at the decision of the Gambia Police Force for denying us a permit to hold a peaceful protest in wake of recent deportations especially from Germany”.

The Concerned Gambians Group has applied for a permit since 27th January 2021 but unfortunately received a reply on 31st March 2021 from the Police Management, signed by AIG Ebrima Bah, indicating that the police cannot grant us a permit due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

“Our position is that the Covid-19 restrictions are not being respected and are not implemented. The Government of Adama Barrow cannot use the police to deter us from protesting when they are the first to violate the restrictions. So why is the police using the Covid-19 restrictions to deter us from holding a peaceful protest? This is unfair as we have seen them granting permits to political parties to hold rallies, tours, congresses, meetings, etc including the President’s party. Also the police have granted permission to musicians to launch their new Album on 9th April amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.” Stated on the signed document.

The question asked by the association is, why didn’t the police advise the government to tell the European Union to stop deportations due to the Covid-19 restrictions?

They are calling on all political party leaders to support them in this course and tell the government the truth. To them it’s either the police to issue them permits or else they will do their peaceful protest without permit as guaranteed by the Constitution and they will not announce the date of protest but we will organize among ourselves and do the peaceful protest anytime from now if the police refuse to issue them a permit.

 

By: Sainabou Jasseh