The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice strongly condemned the continued harassment of the 23 youths charged in connection with the PURA protest, whose case has
once again been adjourned, this time to December 8, 2025.
“This marks the second adjournment without a single sitting, reflecting a disturbing pattern of judicial delay that
amounts to harassment and persecution rather than the pursuit of justice.” the release stated.
The Rights center further reminds the State that the police and the courts must not be weaponized as instruments of control against citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
“The right to peaceful assembly and to demand accountability from public institutions is guaranteed under
the Constitution of The Gambia and international human rights law ratified by the Gambia. To subject these young citizens to an indefinite and baseless trial is to abuse the law in order to silence dissent and suppress civic engagement.”.
To subject these young citizens to an indefinite and baseless trial the release added, is to abuse the law in order to silence dissent and suppress civic engagement.
“These youths have committed no crime. Their actions were guided by the spirit of responsible citizenship, as they demanded transparency and accountability from the Public
Utilities Regulatory Authority, a state institution that has repeatedly demonstrated inefficiency, incompetence, and corruption in regulating vital public services.
We emphasize that the PURA 23 are citizens with families to care for and livelihoods to maintain. Their prolonged trial without due process is not only unjust but also economically and psychologically damaging.” the release added.
The Center further the state to expedite the case fairly or drop all charges immediately and unconditionally.
“The judiciary must not be used to
legitimize political persecution or administrative intimidation.
We further call on the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to remind the Government of The Gambia of its obligations under national and international law to protect human rights, ensure due process, and prevent the abuse of state institutions.
The continued persecution of these youths sets a dangerous precedent for democracy and accountability in The Gambia. It must stop now. We came from a long distance and a very
difficult place, and we must not accept sliding back to where we came. Never Again!” the release concluded
