Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BANJUL667
2006-10-28 19:06:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Banjul
Cable title:  

THE GAMBIA: TORTURE VICTIMS GO PUBLIC

Tags:  PGOV PHUM GA 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO3104
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHJL #0667 3011906
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 281906Z OCT 06
FM AMEMBASSY BANJUL
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 7087
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RUEHLMC/MCC WASHDC
UNCLAS BANJUL 000667 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM GA
SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA: TORTURE VICTIMS GO PUBLIC

REF: A. BANJUL 653

B. BANJUL 664 ET AL (NOTAL)

ACCOUNTS OF TORTURE AT COURT MARTIAL HEARINGS
--------------------------------------------- -

UNCLAS BANJUL 000667

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM GA
SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA: TORTURE VICTIMS GO PUBLIC

REF: A. BANJUL 653

B. BANJUL 664 ET AL (NOTAL)

ACCOUNTS OF TORTURE AT COURT MARTIAL HEARINGS
-------------- -


1. (SBU Ref a provides update on the status of detainees and
trials, most related to the abortive coup plot here in March.
As previously reported (e.g., ref b),we have picked up
credible accounts of torture suffered by detainees. To our
knowledge, the recent testimony by military officers charged
with involvement in the failed coup plot marks the first time
that detainees have gone public with claims of torture. Per
ref a, the press reported that, at court martial proceedings
in October, Captain Yaya Darboe denied involvement in the
plot and asserted that he had confessed only after "severe
torture." Judging from press reports, Darboe recounted the
torture in some detail, for example, describing methods of
beating (palm tree branches and metal cables). He reportedly
described the torturers as hooded and wearing black uniforms,
and said the ringleader identifed himself as "Hell Manager."
Another military defendant, Lieutenant Pharing Sanyang, also
claimed torture at the court martial hearings, according to
press accounts.

COMMENT
--------------


2. (SBU) We had been doubtful that any of the detainees would
go public with torture claims, given authorities' presumed
warnings to victims that doing so would only result in
further such abuse. And, it remains to be seen whether other
detainees, military or civilian, will also come forward with
public accounts of torture. Also noteworthy is the fact
that, despite The Gambia's restrictive media environment --
featuring, inter alia, authorities' harassment and
intimidation of journalists -- two privately owned
newspapers, the "Point" and "Foroyaa," nonetheless reported
the torture claims, with no discernible GOTG retaliation to
date. That two military detainees have now publicly claimed
torture provides us with additional ammunition in our
approaches to the GOTG for action to address such abuses. END
COMMENT.
STAFFORD