GRTS Cameraman Claims Beaten By ‘APRC Security’

GRTS cameraman, Modou Ceesay has alleged that he was beaten by people who identified themselves as APRC security at Buginga during the burial of Aja Asombi Bojang, mother of the ex- president.
Ceesay also claimed his camera was seized.
Speaking to GRTS last night, Ceesay said the men said they were told by Yahya Jammeh that no one should cover the burial of his mother and therefore would not allow any cameraman to film.
GRTS director general Abdou Touray yesterday confirmed the incident to The Standard.
He said he had drawn the attention of the IGP to the matter after which the camera was retrieved by the police from the men.

But he added that he will not reclaim the camera until when the police properly investigate the matter.
“So as I speak, the camera is said to be at Bwiam police station,” he said.
Mr Touray said the trouble between the men and the camera crew started since at the airport when they were prevented from accessing some areas.

The Standard contacted APRC deputy Spokesman Dodou Jah for comments.
Mr Jah said the people manning the compound gates at the funeral house in Bujinga were members of the community and neighbours in Foni and not official APRC security men.

“Everybody was with the understanding that this was not a political event as it was attended by everybody, the family of Jammeh, religious people, government officials among others. So it was not an APRC event. Even I myself was blocked from entering at one point by the people guarding the compound. If they were official APRC security, they would have recognized me as the deputy party spokesman,” Jah concluded.