The six journalists were all found guilty in August for seditious and defamation of President Jammeh and sentenced to two years.

Gambia is not media friendly; several journalists have reportedly been abused by President Jammeh.

The six journalists were jailed for questioning Jammeh’s declaration that his government was not responsible for the death of a prominent journalist in that country Deyda Hydara who was shot dead in 2004.

Sarata Jabbi-Dibba, vice-president of the Gambia Press Union confirmed to the FP news agency of her release. AFP further reported that five other male journalists were also released on Thursday evening chanting before leaving their prison cells "the truth will always prevail".

Below is the full press release:

In the spirit of compassion, and in recognition of the holy month of Ramadan, a month of supplication and forgiveness, His Excellency The President of the Republic, Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya A J J Jammeh, has decided to exercise his powers vested on him by Section 82, Sub-section 1 of the Constitution of The Gambia, 1997 on prerogative of mercy, to pardon the following Journalists who were convicted in court for offence of sedition and criminal defamation:

Sarata Jabbi-Dibba
Ebrima Sawaneh
Pa Modou Faal
Bai Emil Touray
Sam Sarr
Pap Saine

Forgiveness is in no way a sign of weakness, but a true manifestation of better being.

The exercise of freedom of expression should be done responsibly. Journalists should understand that freedom of expression does not in any way mean being above the law or Immunity from prosecution when they violate the laws of the land by infringing the rights of others, or being disrespectful to the person of others, more so The President.

The government of the Republic of The Gambia guarantees the exercise of freedom of expression, as well as guarantees the dignity and integrity of every citizen who also has the right to revert to the laws whenever his/her integrity or dignity has been infringed by somebody in his/her exercise of freedom of expression.

The government of the Republic of The Gambia would defend the honour and dignity of every Gambian because that is her responsibility. Therefore, the laws of this land would be enforced to the letter no matter who is involved.

Journalists are therefore urged to desist from being seditious and to remember that every citizen is accountable for his/her actions under the law, and they are no exception.

Finally let it be very clear that this Executive pardon is purely based on the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan, which is a month of forgiveness, and nothing else.