Human rights groups in The Gambia are calling for the immediate release of 17 protesters detained on Thursday, May 8, during a peaceful demonstration organized by Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA).

The demonstrators were demanding transparency over the controversial sale of assets linked to former President Yahya Jammeh, a process marred by allegations of corruption and lack of due process under the current administration.

Despite the group receiving official police approval for the protest, authorities proceeded with arrests, prompting condemnation from civil society. The Edward Francis Small Center for Justice and Human Rights described the detentions as a clear violation of constitutional rights.