Gambia's press union calls for release of three journalists

Gambia’s national journalists union is calling for the release of three journalists arrested last week.

The three include the head of the state broadcaster Momodou Sabally, a colleague, Bakary Fatou and renowned photographer Alhagie Manka, the three were picked up by authorities and have since not been seen or heard from.

According to Bai Touray, president of the Gambia Press Union, all attempts to try and get in touch with the trio have failed. The reasons for their arrest is also unknown and no charges have been relayed for their arrest.

Human rights groups have repeatedly accused the President Yahyah Jammeh led government of intimidating journalists and members of the opposition. The tiny West African country goes to the polls to elect a president on December 1.

Jammeh is running for a fifth term and is largely expected to beat the two candidates who have filed nominations to contest him. Jammeh, who has been in power since 1994, has denied allegations in the past that he has silenced his critics.

Meanwhile people have been using social media to in part demand for the release of the journalists, while others are only hoping that the three are safe wherever they are being held. His Facebook wall has also been inundated by calls for his release.

#Gambia. Now this is what happened, Alhagie Manka is still held incommunicado, the update on his Facebook was done by the bandit government pic.twitter.com/kpc8aboGLy

— Fatu Camara (@Fatushow) November 13, 2016

2012 with ALHAGIEMANKA We've come a long way. I pray you're okay & would be back to your family soon 😔 pic.twitter.com/mq07sDs99G

— Mariam Njai (MyzzGambia) November 12, 2016

ALHAGIEMANKA is a wonderful, talented, dedicated and most importantly believed in making it in the Gambia against all odds. #GambiaNeedHim

— Harona Drammeh (haronadrammeh) November 12, 2016

#GambiaDecides
Photo Journalist, Alhagie Manka arrested for taking photos of Opposition leaders at Nomination ceremony TheMFWA pic.twitter.com/vEPM0miw1g

— Sainey M.K. Marenah (saineymkmarenah) November 11, 2016

#Gambia: Another victim of the dictatorial Yahya #Jammeh regime. Respected senior Photographer ALHAGIEMANKA arrested for doing his job pic.twitter.com/DTcnX0Aq2U

— Alhagie Jobe (freejobe39) November 11, 2016