Austin Sheridan MSYP attended the vigil for the seven Gambian journalists who are being held in captivity in The Gambia for speaking against the President. The Trial was today (20th July) but we will not know the outcome until the Gambian state media report on it. Austin said "the vigil is going very well, the people of Glasgow and even Tourists have been asking about the protest and have been showing their support by sending a post card to the people being held in prison. I will also be sending a personal letter to show my support through these difficult times they are going through, my heart truly goes out to all seven of them" The Local News (Glasgow) team decided that it would be a good idea to send post cards from the people of Glasgow to show that people from all over the world are thinking of them and supporting them through what must be a frightening time for them. Austin thought that this was a good idea so he will be writing to the seven journalists to show his support. The Gambia has hired a judge from Nigeria for the court case (the judge has no or very little knowledge of the Gambian law system), the President has the power to appoint and sack judges so the President of The Gambia has the final say. Austin added "This is a disgrace and I denounce the Presidents actions, The Gambia is part of the commonwealth, I think its time for a suspension until the Gambian Government cleans their act up and holds a fair democratic election!" The trials continue and may do for weeks to come.
If you have any questions for Austin Sheridan MSYP you can contact him at: austin.sheridan.msyp@sypmail.org.uk and he will get back to you when he can.
By Karren Smith
