By Ali Jaw
Groups of Gambian activists have raised their voices in defiance, calling the 44 protesters arrested over the internet price floor “heroes of the people” and demanding their immediate and unconditional release.
At a fiery press conference held Tuesday at Alliance Française, Gambians Against Looted Assets, Team Gom Sa Bopa, and the Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EfSCRJ) denounced the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) for imposing what they described as a “punitive and unjust” internet data price floor that has pushed ordinary Gambians deeper into hardship.
“These young people stood up for all of us,” declared Omar Saibo Camara, spokesperson of GALA. “Instead of being punished, they should be celebrated. The Coalition will submit this petition formally to suspend the price floor and demand the release of the 44.”
Camara accused PURA of hiding behind vague “regional benchmarks” while refusing to publish the cost model that justifies its policy. “We demand transparency. Gambians have the right to know whether this decision truly serves the public interest, or if it only protects corporate profits,” he charged.
Journalist and activist Yusef Taylor said the price floor has become unbearable for citizens. “Data is no longer a luxury; it is education, it is work, it is connection. To make it unaffordable is to rob Gambians of opportunity and hope.”
Rapper and activist Killer Ace delivered a stirring message, insisting that no talks will take place until the detainees are freed. “These are not criminals. They are freedom fighters. They stood in the streets for the right of every Gambian to be heard. Their freedom is the people’s freedom.”
The coalition vowed to continue the struggle until both demands are met, which are freedom for the 44 and affordable internet for all.
