Ebrima Maneh Persuasive Speech

Freedom of expression is an overwhelmingly powerful phrase that carries so much meaning. When someone loses their freedom of expression, they also lose their identity. Ebrima Manneh, a Gambian journalist, was arrested in July of 2006 for reasons unbeknownst to the public. People have theories of the reasons he could have been arrested. These theories include: he was having an argument with the managing editor of the Daily Observer, a friend of the president’s, or possibly he was about to give away information that could have been harmful to the government, or perhaps he tried to print a government report in the Daily Observer (Ebrima Manneh). None of these reasons warrant Ebrima Manneh’s arrest and captivity for ten years. The secrecy surrounding
His family and loved ones have been suffering in the unknown for roughly ten years of their lives. Ebrima could possibly be suffering from torture or starvation, and no one except the government because he can no longer communicate with the outside world. It is time for the community to really come together to get him out of the President Jammeh’s hands. If the Gambians rise against the government and get help from surrounding countries they could not only get Manneh released, but possibly overthrow the system. This man has done nothing but his job, and if journalists cannot do their job then what can they do? Take away a man or woman’s freedom of expression or freedom of speech and they will not be their own person any more. A person’s right to speak their mind and express their ideas is what brings great change to this world. Henry David Thoreau says in Civil Disobedience, “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them. (Thoreau, Henry David)” Let us not live alike the men that are scared to speak up. Let us rise above and free Ebrima Manneh to