WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski and U.S. Representatives Chris Van Hollen and John K. Delaney issued the following joint statement Thursday after Fanta Jawara of Frederick, Maryland, was convicted and sentenced to three years in prison in The Gambia. The Maryland Federal officials have followed her case closely, releasing a statement a few weeks ago as she went to trial:
“We are outraged at the conviction and sentencing of Fanta Jawara. She has done nothing wrong and this outcome is completely unacceptable. The Gambian constitution provides for due process, freedom of political association and peaceful assembly, and this trial has made a mockery of these rights.
“We are in touch with the State Department to learn more about the appeals process in The Gambia, and are committed to doing our part to ensure Mrs. Jawara’s timely release and return to her husband and children in Maryland.”
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