A Gambian opposition leader on trial since April for participating in a protest has said he is a victim of political persecution and will boycott the proceedings. It says it fears that three of the detainees are dead, including senior party official Solo Sandeng. The US Senate held a hearing on Wednesday in which the question of imposing sanctions on Gambian leaders was raised. The next day, the Gambian government withdrew police protection from the American embassy, the embassy said. Ousainou Darboe, a lawyer, was arrested after taking part along with other senior members of the United Democratic Party (UDP) in a small protest near the capital Banjul.

Source: The Star June 10, 2016 11:48 UTC