- http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/22/world/africa/in-gambia-jesse-jackson-helps-free-2-americans.html?_r=1&ref=africa-
In an article from Senegal in today's New York Times, Jesse Jackson aided in the release of two Gambian-Americans who were serving long sentences. Yahya Jammeh is the current president of Gambia and the article notes that he has been very "erratic" in his policies and decisions. According to the article he has publicly stated that he will go through with numerous killings of death row inmates. He has gained much heat from the UN along with European Union and other international groups. It was stated that nine inmates have already been killed and Jesse Jackson made the trip to Gambia in search of the release of the two Americans. He stated in the article that he had somewhat of a relationship with the president and hoped that he could change his mind.
The two men were high ranking officials within Jammeh's administration and both "had been convicted with a routine treason charge". Many who had become against Jammeh were charged with this, placing many people in prison. the two men spoke of horrible conditions and torture that had taken place within the prison. Jackson stated that the country of Gambia has some positives within its borders and he feels that this situation only brings negative attention. According to the article it is one of the most oppressive countries in Africa and this story does not aid its struggling image.
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