Gambia row over wave of arrests

Banjul, 12 March-(ANA)-An opposition leader has criticised a wave of arrests in The Gambia, saying detainees - including a former minister - do not know why they are being held.

Halifa Sallah told the BBC that those arrested have been denied visits from lawyers and family members.

High-ranking military and police officials are reportedly among those detained, and last week ex-fisheries minister Antouman Saho was jailed.

President Yahya Jammeh is frequently criticised by rights groups.

In recent years, he has publicly threatened to kill gay people and rights workers.

Last month the government of Mr Jammeh, who took power in a bloodless coup in 1994, expelled the envoy of the UN's children charity, Unicef.(ANA)

FA/ANA/12 March 2010-----