The Gambian authorities have levelled treason charges against two Gambian journalists, Ms Ndey Tapha Sosseh and Mr Mathew K. Jallow, along with former Information Minister, Dr Amadou Scattered Janneh.

Ms Ndey, the former President of Gambia Press Union and Mr Jallow, both of whom are outside the Gambian territory, have been charged in absentia, PANA confirms from Dakar on Wednesday.

The two journalists, the former Information minister and several others were accused of plotting to overthrow the Gambian government on 26 May.

They were also accused of printing and distributing 100 T-shirts with “seditious statements” and anti-government inscriptions.

Dr. Janneh and his co-accused person pleaded not guilty.

Dr Janneh along with others were arrested and detained in June after they were accused of distributing materials calling for an end to the Gambian president's “authoritarian rule”.

Pana 21/07/2011