British missionary in Gambia faces delays in forgery appeal

A British missionary imprisoned in the Gambia for sedition is facing delays to his appeal against an additional conviction for forgery.

David Fulton and his wife Fiona had initially received sentences of one year's imprisonment with hard labour last December, after pleading guilty to sedition on the advice of a lawyer who claimed this would ensure more lenient sentences.

The appeal by Mr Fulton against an additional conviction for forgery has been delayed after the prosecution failed to attend a hearing scheduled for Monday and prison authorities failed to produce Mr Fulton in court, reports Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).

The hearing has now been adjourned until 16 June. The presiding magistrate has also ordered the Gambian prison authorities to ensure Mr Fulton's presence at the rescheduled hearing.

At a subsequent trial Mr Fulton was given an additional three years after pleading guilty to forgery in the hope of receiving the usual sentence of a fine.

The Fultons are now appealing against their sedition convictions, and Mr Fulton will also be contesting a new charge of impersonating an army official.

Meanwhile, CSW has learned that Mr Fulton has recently recovered from an illness brought on by 102 days of solitary confinement in a cell with no lighting, and no access to exercise. His prescribed hard labour duties now include climbing coconut trees, stripping their bark and physically carrying fifty kilogram bundles.

CSW has also learned that Mrs Fulton has been put on lavatory cleaning duties. She is also reported to be unwell emotionally and physically, and to have lost weight.

CSW’s Advocacy Director, Alexa Papadouris said: “For some time now CSW has been deeply concerned by the harsh treatment that David and Fiona Fulton have received, and by the political sensitivities surrounding this case that continue to impinge on the judicial process.

“We are also concerned at news of unnecessary delays in Mr Fulton's appeal against his recent conviction, and at reports of Mrs Fulton's poor health.

“It is vital that Mr Fulton receives a fair hearing on June 16, that the Fultons' previous convictions for sedition are urgently reviewed, and that Mrs Fulton receives the medical attention she so clearly needs.”