Gambian President Adama Barrow has filed a defamation lawsuit in opposition to The Voice Newspaper and its Editor-in-Chief, Musa Sheriff.
The authorized motion follows a controversial article alleging that Barrow has chosen a successor as a part of a deliberate exit technique.
The case was heard on the Kanifing High Court on Friday and has been adjourned till November 22, 2024, permitting Sheriff 30 days to submit a defence.
In response to the lawsuit, Muhammed S. Bah, President of The Gambia Press Union (GPU), expressed concern over its implications for press freedom.
He stated: “these lawsuits against journalists and media outlets pose a chilling effect on freedom of expression.”
He highlighted the numerous monetary burden these instances may impose, warning that they could result in elevated self-censorship amongst journalists and hinder their capacity to carry authorities officers accountable.
Modou S. Joof, GPU Secretary General, added that the continued prison trial of Musa Sheriff and colleague Momodou Justice Darboe for alleged false publications may reverse current progress in press freedom inside The Gambia.
Reporting by Adama Makasuba
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