Update on Manneh et al.

For you who are still following my blog, I am pleased to advise that the U.N. has issued a decision in the Manneh case which is pending there. The decision has been sent to the government of Gambia for its review and reaction prior to its publication to all of us. Thus, we do not yet know the content of the decn but I do anticipate something favorable for the Manneh family and against Gambia. I have been told that a we will learn of the decn and its contents sometime in Nov. so stay tuned for for this event,

I also want to report that six other jailed journalists in Gambia have at last (Sept 7, 2009) been released from that state's custody after a presidential pardon. This action was primarily due to constant pressure from the MFWA and Kwame its director. These journalists were jailed on Aug 17, 2009, so it took some time for this to occur. All were initially given two year prison sentences and were serving those terms during an appeal when the pardon was given.

Maybe Gambia is finally responding to the world's attention. Let us hope so. Until next time...