The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended that the Gambian government prosecute state agents responsible for the alleged maltreatment of Bakary Mankajang. According to the 2023 State of Human Rights Report, Mankajang, a social media influencer, was detained incommunicado for three days and deprived of food, water, and legal representation after being questioned by the police.
The report also highlighted five additional cases of alleged torture, inhumane treatment, or punishment, including incidents involving police officers, drug law enforcement officials, immigration officers, and a local psychiatric treatment center. NHRC emphasized the importance of preventing such acts and recommended the implementation of the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act 2023.
The report commended the enactment of the Prohibition of Torture Act by the National Assembly in March 2023, which provides a legal framework for prohibiting and punishing acts of torture and other forms of cruel treatment. NHRC urged the government to enforce the provisions of the act, prosecute individuals accused of torture, ratify OPCAT, and establish a National Preventive Mechanism.
NHRC emphasized the significance of these measures in combatting torture and ensuring accountability for human rights violations in The Gambia.