Marry A Child & Go To 10 Years Jail, Gambian President Tells Citizens

Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has announced a ban on child marriage in
 the predominantly Muslim west African nation, threatening heavy jail
 terms for those who break the new rules.
Speaking to a group of Muslim elders in Banjul on Wednesday, Jammeh
 said: “As from today, Jul 6, child marriage is illegal and is banned in
 Gambia.”

“Anyone who marries a girl under 18 years will spend 20 years in jail.
 The girls’ parents would spend 21 years in jail and anyone who knows
 about it and fails to report the matter to the authorities would
spend
 10 years in jail,” he added.

“The Imam and those that preside over the marriage ceremony would also
 be sent to jail. If you want to know whether what I am saying is true or
 not, try it tomorrow and see.”

Jammeh instructed lawmakers to pass legislation reflecting the new ban before Jul 21.