[JURIST] The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights [official website] on Friday urged authorities in the Gambian capital of Banjul to release detained protesters. The UN stated that it has received reports [press release] that the protesters, who were detained “for simply having exercised their rights to freedom of expression, opinion and assembly,” have been tortured, denied medical care and denied visitation from family members. Among those individuals currently detained are two female opposition fighters, Fatoumata Jawara and Ngoi Njai, who have been reported to be in poor condition as a result of their detention. The UN also stated that it was concerned with Alhagie Ceesay’s condition, asking for evidence that he is not being tortured and that he receives his right to a fair trial. Director of the Teranga FM radio station, Ceesay has faced several medical emergencies as a result of his detention. Finally, the UN also asked for an impartial investigation into the death of activist Solo Sandeng.

The Gambian government’s treatment of protesters has been an issue in recent weeks. Last month the High Court in Banjul charged [JURIST report] 40 people for offenses related to their participation in protest. In particular, these individuals were “calling for free speech and an electoral forum.” Earlier that month several human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, called for an investigation [JURIST report] into the death of Sandeng. Sandeng had been the National Organizing Secretary of the opposition United Democratic party and “died in detention” [JURIST article] after he was arrested following a peaceful protest.