Gambia: NHRC Flags 'Grave Concerns' Over Gala Detainees, Rights Breaches

Gambia: NHRC Flags 'Grave Concerns' Over Gala Detainees, Rights Breaches

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised "grave concerns" over the arrest and detention of GALA members, citing violations of constitutional safeguards at Kairaba and Kotu Police Stations.

Police block GALA anniversary event, detain 15 activists

By Assan Bah A planned peaceful anniversary event by youth activists ended in arrests and tension on Friday, 8 May 2026, after police blocked members of the group Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) from holding a gathering at the Westfield Youth Monument in Kanifing Municipality. A total of 15 activists were arrested after officers of the Police Intervention Unit prevented the group from accessing the venue, despite organisers saying they had…

Detained GALA activists to appear in court today

“At no point did they violate any law,” GALA said in a statement Sunday. “Their gathering was lawful and duly authorized by KMC, the authority responsible for managing the Youth Monument.” The group described the arrests as “unjust” and a “serious violation of fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution.” It warned that detaining citizens beyond 72 hours without due process is unlawful. “No democratic society should crimina…

Procession Or Meeting? The Legal Question The Gala Arrests Cannot Escape – The Standard Newspaper

Sarjo Barrow, Esquire On 8th Friday, 2026, according to news reports, police in the Kanifing region prevented members of Gambians Against Looted Assets (Gala) from holding a first-anniversary commemoration at the Youth Monument, citing a lack of registration despite the group having permission from the venue’s custodians—KMC officials. The incident led to multiple arrests, scuffles, and accusations of heavy-handed policing. Moreover, the news re…