British couple sentenced to one year hard labour in Gambia for sedition

Two British missionaries living in Gambia have been sentenced to one year in prison with hard labour after they pleaded guilty to charges of sedition against the country's government.

David and Fiona Fulton, who were arrested in the capital, Banjul, in November were also fined 250,000 Dalasis (£6,500).

The couple had admitted publishing e-mails with seditious comments with intent to bring hatred or contempt against the president or the government.



As the magistrate read out the sentence, the couple and some of their friends present in court burst into tears.

Idrissa Mbai, said: "I found the offences of the accused party to be very shocking and they have shown no respect for the country, the government and the president of the republic. I will send a clear message to the offenders."

"I therefore sentence you to a fine (...) and mandatory jail time of one year with hard labour." He told the couple they face an additional six months in prison if the fine is not paid.

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