By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Momodou Justice Darboe, Editor of Jollof News Online, who was arrested earlier on Wednesday Afternoon at the Banjul Magistrate Court while covering a high-profile trial, has now been formally charged with assaulting police officers and subsequently released on self-bail, according to reliable sources close to Police Headquarters in Banjul.
The charges follow Darboe’s initial detention on Wednesday afternoon, when he was handcuffed and taken to police custody for allegedly defying an order not to take photographs of individuals on trial. Darboe was at the court premises to report on the ongoing proceedings against Austrian nationals Manuel Di Stofleth Mitterer and Angelika Mitterer, who face charges of disobeying a lawful order.
Sources indicate that police allege Darboe assaulted officers during the incident, though details of the claimed assault remain unclear. Darboe was released on self-bail after being charged, with a condition to report back to Police Headquarters today by 9:00 a.m. Failure to comply could result in the revocation of his bail.
In an interview shortly after his release, Darboe strongly denied the assault charges leveled against him. He told this reporter that he was instead maltreated by a group of police officers, sustaining wounds and bodily harm in the process. Darboe maintained that his only action was to attempt to take pictures of the accused persons as part of his legitimate journalistic coverage on the court premises.
The development has sparked renewed debate over press freedom and the treatment of journalists in The Gambia. Media advocates argue that restrictions on photographing in public court settings, combined with subsequent assault allegations against reporters, could intimidate coverage of judicial proceedings and undermine transparency.
No official confirmation or detailed statement has been issued by the Gambia Police Force Public Relations Office regarding the specific charges, evidence, or next steps in the case. Efforts to obtain further comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
This incident adds to ongoing concerns about the safety and operational freedom of journalists in the country, particularly when covering sensitive trials or public institutions. The Gambia Press Union and other watchdog groups have previously highlighted similar cases involving alleged excessive force or trumped-up charges against media professionals.
The Alkamba Times will continue to follow the matter closely, including any court appearances, potential bail revocation, and the resolution of the charges against Momodou Justice Darboe.
