By RFIPalled on 21-09-2019Today on 21-09-2019 at 02:33
This former journalist and consultant, very critical of President Macky Sall on the management of oil and gas resources, was in prison since the end of July for insulting the president and undermining state security, after very virulent messages posted on his Facebook account. A controversial case on freedom of expression in the country.
The fourth application for provisional release was the correct one. Adama Gaye is smiling, fit, despite a hunger strike announced during his detention by his lawyers. Whoever defines himself as " an activist of transparency " remains on his position:
" What seems to me to be essential is that in the 21st century, the battle is the struggle for the preservation of the natural economic resources of African countries. So I maintain my writings and I am willing to go further if needed. "
So what will be next? The charges are maintained. But one of the lawyers, Maître Seydou Diagne, is confident: " Over the last thirty years, no public trial has been seen in Senegal for insulting the Head of State or for undermining State security. So the files usually end up on the sidelines, that's not why we're not going to fight. What is unfortunate is having to do the same thing whenever there are political or opinion prisoners in a country where it is difficult to know when the President of the Republic is the Secretary General of his party or vice versa. "
That is why NGOs like Amnesty International Senegal are calling for the repeal of the crime of insulting the head of state.
On the same subject
Senegal: Former journalist Adama Gaye goes on hunger strike in prison
"Offense to the President" Senegalese: Adama Gaye delivers his version of the facts
Senegal: Adama Gaye's detention "an attack on freedom of expression"
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