By Aji Fatou Faal
Abubacarr Tambadou, Minister of Justice and Attorney General has disclosed that freedom of speech is explicitly recognised as a fundamental right under Section 25 (1) of the 1997 Constitution.
However, he said it is not absolute right as it is subject to such reasonable restrictions as may be provided by law in the public interest.
“In case of the Gambia, these interests are identified under Section 25(4) of the 1997 Constitution and they are for the preservation of national security, maintenance of public order, decency or morality, or in relation to the contempt of court”, he stated.
Tambadou was speaking on Friday at the National Assembly Chambers in Banjul during the third ordinary session of the 2017 legislative year.
Responding to the NAM for Kombo East who asked the minister to inform members on the limitation(s) of freedom of expression in the Gambia, Tambadou added that it must be justified through a legitimate aim under Section 25 (4) of the Constitution, and it must be reasonable and necessary in a democratic society.
