Following his recent interaction with law enforcement officers who visited his residence to inquire about him, but discovered that he was unwell, activist Madi Jobarteh has said that his dwelling is now under to police monitoring.
On Friday, law enforcement officials sent an invitation to Mr. Jobarteh to participate in a questioning session. However, Mr. Jobarteh declined the request, citing his current state of ill health as a hindrance to his ability to attend. Furthermore, he expressed his belief that, given the voluntary nature of the invitation, he had no need to present himself at any police station, since he had not engaged in any criminal activities.
Shortly afterwards, a group of four law enforcement officers arrived at his residence in Kembujeh and requested that he comply with their invitation once his physical condition has improved. It was reported that he was being contacted in relation to the content he had shared on social media platforms.
Nevertheless, Mr. Jobarteh just provided an update about the situation, stating that police cars have been seen lingering in the vicinity of his residential area since this morning. Additionally, law enforcement agents have been observed patrolling the street next to his residence. The presence of the aforementioned individuals is intentional, since both my family and neighbors have independently seen the arrival of law enforcement personnel at my residence on the preceding Friday, using the aforementioned car. In the early hours of the morning, I saw an unanswered telephone call originating from ASP Sulayman Gaye, the individual who had previously sent law enforcement personnel to my residence on the preceding Friday. I do not possess the characteristics of a criminal or a fugitive that would justify the imposition of such forms of harassment and intimidation upon me.
I have recently spoken with ASP Sulayman Gaye, urging him to cease his actions of harassment and intimidation against me. I have not engaged in any unlawful activities, nor have I committed any criminal acts. Furthermore, I do not possess any knowledge or evidence pertaining to the commission of any criminal offenses. Hence, I kindly request the withdrawal of your vehicles and personnel from the immediate region in which I am situated. Please refrain from subjecting me to any kind of monitoring. The current societal structure does not exhibit characteristics often associated with a police state. I am now afflicted with a debilitating ailment and need an adequate period of convalescence in order to facilitate my recovery. You are imposing undue burden on both myself and my family. The activities you have engaged in are seen to be in violation of established legal norms and characterized by their abusive nature. I respectfully implore you to cease engaging in behaviors that might be characterized as harassment and intimidation against me. I kindly request the removal of your vehicles and personnel from the vicinity of my residential area. The primary purpose of law enforcement agencies is to safeguard individual rights and maintain legal order, rather than compromising or infringing upon them.
When approached for a response to Mr. Joabrteh’s remarks, ASP Sisawo, the police spokesperson, declined to comment on the issue, citing the presence of several cars without number plates that may not be affiliated with the police force.