GALA Members Reject Self-Bail Negotiations as Case Moves to Court

Written by: Dawda Baldeh

Detained members of the pressure group Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) have reportedly rejected police efforts to secure their release on self-bail, with the matter now proceeding before the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court.

The group members were arrested on Friday, May 8th, 2026, at the Youth Monument in Westfield while preparing for GALA’s first anniversary celebration. Police accused the group of holding a protest without a permit, an allegation GALA and its supporters strongly dispute.

The arrests quickly sparked public reaction, with activists, supporters and some politicians calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained members. Critics of the arrests argue that the gathering was an anniversary event and not an unlawful protest or procession.

“The police must release the youth unconditionally,” activist Madi Jobarteh told journalists, insisting the detainees “have not violated any clause of the law.”

The arrested members were initially expected to appear before the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court at 10am today. However, proceedings were delayed after discussions reportedly began around plans to release the detainees on self-bail.

Sources familiar with the discussions told The Fatu Network that the detained members declined the proposed self-bail arrangement, maintaining that they should be released without conditions.

“Now, we will go to court, the case will proceed, and we will file the necessary bail application when the case is mentioned,” senior counsel Lamin L. S. Camara told journalists outside the Kairaba Police Station.

He said the latest development followed extensive discussions between the parties, as the detained youth continued to insist on unconditional release.

Supporters of the movement earlier gathered at both the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court and the Kairaba Police Station in solidarity with the detainees, while The Fatu Network team remained on the ground monitoring developments.

The detainees have now arrived at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court, where further proceedings are expected.

More details to follow…