Gambia: Market Vendor Arrested

A market vendor close to the Brikama Health Centre was on Thursday 8th March, 2007 arrested by Immigration Officers. The said market vendor who was arrested in the presence of this reporter was being physically kicked and beaten in the open by more than six Immigration personnel before he was eventually over powered, handcuffed and dragged to the police station bare footed, to the total dismay of on lookers.

The arrested victim was heard saying. "I don't deserve this. I am a fellow Gambian." The beatings started when the arrested vendor refused to produce his identity card when demanded by an Immigration Officer, saying that he had produced his identity card to Immigration Officers, the previous day (Wednesday 7th March). Apparently, this response angered the Immigration Officer who got aggressive and started insulting, knocking and pushing the vendor. Eventually the said vendor, before being arrested, complied with the demand and produced his identity card.

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