Australian government has expressed concern about the detention and allegations of mistreatment of Dr Amadou Janneh, Modou Keita, Ebrima Jallow and Michael C.Ucheh in jail.
"Australia stands firmly against the use of death penalty regardless of the crime committed. Further, Australia believes that freedom of expression, the right to peaceful protest and a free media are essential for the effective functioning of democracy."

The government made this statement while responding to a letter sent to the Foreign Minister Hon Kevin Rudd by Arthur West Chairman of the Campaign for Human Rights in The Gambia UK.

In his letter Mr West brought to the attention of the Australian government the detention of Dr Janneh and co accused persons, and the allegation of mistreatment. "Thank you for bringing to the Minister's attention the detention of Dr Janneh, Michael C. Ucheh, Modou Keita, and Ebrima Jallow. Australia is deeply concerned by ... their detention and allegation of mistreatment," the letter said.

The Australian government added: "We will continue to engage where appropiate, including in international forums, in support of strong human rights outcomes in The Gambia."

The letter also pointed out that during the Gambia's apprearance before the Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review, Australia called on the Gambia to amend legislation which infringes freedom of expression in accordance with its international human rights obligations. Australia also called for detainees to be properly charged and brought to trials without delay, or release the detainees; and for an independent body to investigate allegations of ill-treatment, torture and extra-judicial executions within The Gambia.

"There was a significant human rights agent at the recently Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM) held in Perth which served to strengthen human rights outcomes in all member states, including The Gambia.

I regret that I did not recieve your letter untill after the CHOGM meeting had concluded, but trust these outcomes are consistent with your efforts to improve human rights in The Gambia," the letter concludes.

For more information, please contact the Campaign for Human Rights in The Gambia UK

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