Gambia's Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, has emphasized the importance of the police taking action against political statements that cross the line into criminal conduct. In a recent interview on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez, Dr. Ceesay stressed that the government does not promote hate speech or language that divides Gambians. He noted that the police have a crucial role in determining whether a particular statement has broken the law.
Dr. Ceesay highlighted that there are laws in place in Gambia, and it is the police's responsibility to enforce them on this operational policing issue. He stated that if the police establish that a statement amounts to hate speech or another offence, action should follow. According to Dr. Ceesay, the police must first believe that a crime has been committed, and then they can take action.
The Minister's comments come amid recent discussions on political and religious statements that have attracted public criticism, including remarks considered divisive along ethnic and religious lines. Dr. Ceesay acknowledged that some statements can fall on the border between legality and illegality, making the issue more complicated. He expressed that he is not aware of specific actions the police may have taken in particular cases.
Dr. Ceesay noted that some matters could be handled behind the scenes to avoid escalating tensions. He emphasized that what he can tell is what the police should do, and what they actually do is a different matter. According to Dr. Ceesay, the government expects the police to ensure that statements which go against the law are dealt with.
The government's policy, as stated by Dr. Ceesay, is to promote an inclusive society where there is no discrimination based on tribe, religion, gender, or region. He maintained that the government does not promote hate speech, division, or divisive language. Dr. Ceesay also emphasized that citizens have a right to condemn statements they consider inappropriate.
Dr. Ceesay urged Gambians not to allow political rhetoric to destroy the country's peaceful coexistence. He encouraged citizens to be vigilant and to report any statements that may be considered hate speech or divisive language. The Minister's statement comes as a call to action for the police and citizens to work together to maintain peace and stability in the country.
Key points
- The Gambia government is promoting an inclusive society with no discrimination based on tribe, religion, gender, or region.
- The police have a crucial role in determining whether a particular statement has broken the law.
- The government expects the police to ensure that statements which go against the law are dealt with.
