Gambia confirms execution of prisoners

BANJUL - Gambia's interior ministry on Monday confirmed the nine prisoners being held on death row have been executed after the country's president vowed to carry out all death sentences by mid-September to curb crimes and terrorism looming as a threat to the west African nation.

The ministry said in a statement that the nine people were executed by firing squad on Sunday, August 26, after they were sentenced to death and their appeals had been exhausted.

The Gambian President Yahya Jammeh said over last weekend that his government intends to resort to death penalty to fight against organized crimes and terrorism threats.

"All forms of punishments that are stipulated by law will be maintained in the country so that criminals can get what they deserve. Those who kill should also be killed," he said. "My government will not allow that 99 percent of the population is threatened by a small percentage of criminals," Jammeh declared.

The Gambian president made the remarks following the upsurge of crimes such as murders, robbery with violence and abductions.

"Our objective is to create a peaceful, happy and crime-free nation," he said and promised to reinforce security measures.