Abdul Hamid Adiamoh, managing editor of Today, a privately-owned newspaper, was on June 28, 2012 released by the Banjul Magistrates’ Court. Before his release, he had been in detention for eight days without charge.
Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) sources reported that Adiamoh paid an outrageous fine of 100,000 Dalasis (about US$ 3,142) before he was released. The court ordered his arrest on June 20 after a June 19, 2012 publication where he misreported proceedings of a criminal case at the court involving a university lecturer. Badou Conteh, the lecturer’s counsel, unhappy with the publication, on June 20 pressed for a contempt of court charge against the editor and requested for his arrest.
“Your worship, I apply for the arrest of Abdul Hamid Adiamoh to appear before this court to explain where he got the information he authored and published regarding my cross examination. He misconceived my cross examination and his report is out of context … I therefore apply for his arrest” Conteh pleaded with the court. The presiding magistrate, Taiwo Ade Alagbe agreed with Conteh and subsequently ordered Adiamoh’s arrest that same day.
On June 28, when Adiamoh appeared before the court, the Magistrate found him guilty of the offence and asked him to pay the fine or in default serve six months imprisonment.
For more information please contact/pour d’amples renseignements, veuillez-vous adresser à :
Kwame Karikari (Prof)
Executive Director
MFWA
Accra
Tel: 233-30-22 4 24 70
Fax: 233-302-22 10 84
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Website: www.mediafound.org