By Lamin Njie
Amnesty International has commended President Adama Barrow for commuting The Gambia’s 22 death sentences.
Justice Minister Abubacarr Tambadou said on Wednesday that President Barrow has commuted the death sentences of 22 prisoners to life imprisonment.
Reacting to the development, Marie-Evelyne Petrus Barry, Amnesty International West and Central Africa Regional Director who met with President Barrow last week said “the President’s commutation of these death sentences to life imprisonment is an important milestone for Gambia which is slowly and steadily moving away from the death penalty.”
She said: “Less than a week ago, Amnesty International met with President Adama Barrow who confirmed to us his commitment to outlaw this cruel punishment – it’s good to see him take another concrete step against the death penalty.
“This decision is a positive step, however we want the authorities to go further by abolishing the death penalty for all crimes without delay, including in the country’s future constitution.
“We also hope they will implement our recommendations to repeal draconian media laws, reform the security sector and end discrimination against women.”
