Police in The Gambia used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters in Brufut who had taken to the streets demanding the release of siblings, Amie and Ousainou Bojang, following their controversial rearrest.
The two had earlier been acquitted by the High Court in connection with the 2023 killing of two police officers, after judges ruled that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to secure a conviction.
However, shortly after their release, the siblings were taken back into custody, with authorities indicating plans to appeal the ruling. The move triggered outrage among residents and activists, who questioned the legality of detaining individuals after a court acquittal.
Protests quickly erupted in Brufut, with demonstrators blocking roads and confronting anti-riot police. Security forces responded by firing tear gas and deploying water cannons in an effort to restore order. Some businesses temporarily closed as tensions escalated in the area.
Rights groups and members of the public raised concerns over what they described as a disregard for judicial decisions and potential violations of due process.
Later in the day, police confirmed that Amie and Ousainou Bojang had been released from custody once again, a move that helped to calm the situation after hours of unrest.
The incident has sparked wider debate in The Gambia over the independence of the judiciary and the handling of high-profile criminal cases.
