§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will ask the Government of the Gambia about the reasons for the arrest of Imam Karamo Touray, Sangsang Sanneh and seven others as they left the Brikama Mosque after the Maghrib prayers on Sunday 17 May, as well as former Member of Parliament, Lamin Waa Juwara, six hours later, and three other persons on 1 June after they had attended the High Court proceedings relating to the earlier arrests; and whether they will ask the British High Commissioner in Banjul to visit these detainees, if possible, and to report on their welfare and access to lawyers. [HL2168]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe British High Commissioner in Banjul raised these arrests with26WA the Acting Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Bajo) on 21 May. Mr. Bajo stated that the arrests were as a result of criminal behaviour "of a very serious nature."
The 10 arrested on 17 May were released on bail on 8 June. The four arrested on 1 June were charged with breach of the peace on 2 June and released on bail on 9 June.
The British High Commissioner in Banjul made a démarche on 9 June on behalf of the EU expressing concern at recent events and seeking assurances that the Gambian Government remained committed to the constitution.