What role did Lieutenant Malick Jatta play in the 2004 killing?

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Lieutenant Malick Jatta Confirms Role in 2004 Journalist Assassination

Lieutenant Malick Jatta testified that he, along with two other soldiers, shot and killed journalist Deyda Hydara in 2004 under the direct orders of then-President Yahya Jammeh. Jatta, a member of Jammeh's elite guard known as the "junglers," stated that he fired shots at Hydara as instructed by Captain Tumbul Tamba, who had identified the target. For his participation in the assassination, Jatta received a payment of 50,000 dalasai, which is equivalent to RM4,089.
Execution of the Order

On the day of the killing, Lieutenant Malick Jatta and two fellow soldiers, Alieu Jen and Sana Manjang, were dispatched from then-President Jammeh's residence. They were in a vehicle driven by Captain Tumbul Tamba, who was leading the mission. Jatta recounted that Tamba, while on the phone with Jammeh, identified the journalist and issued the command to shoot. Jatta admitted to firing his weapon at Hydara, with his colleagues also discharging their firearms.
Financial Compensation and Target Identification

Following the assassination, Lieutenant Malick Jatta was compensated with 50,000 dalasai for his involvement in the killing. It was not until the day after the incident that Jatta learned the identity of the victim was Deyda Hydara, a prominent critic of the Jammeh administration and co-owner of The Point newspaper. Captain Tumbul Tamba, who died several years ago, was the commanding officer during the operation.
Broader Involvement in State-Sanctioned Violence

Beyond the assassination of Deyda Hydara, Lieutenant Malick Jatta also provided testimony regarding his involvement in the killings of over 50 migrants in the year following the journalist's death. This testimony was given before a truth commission established to investigate human rights abuses committed during the tenure of former President Yahya Jammeh. The commission is examining alleged abuses from Jammeh's 22-year rule, which ended when he fled Gambia in 2017.

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What role did Lieutenant Malick Jatta play in the 2004 killing?

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