Orinoco Tribune – News and opinion pieces about Venezuela and beyond
From Venezuela and made by Venezuelan Chavistas
Momodou Taal (also known as Sal Taal), who is a public figure involved in interviews, press events, and various initiatives in the Gambia. He is known for activities like the Special Olympics Gambia Gala Dinner/Fashion in partnership with Comium. Photo: @thegambian/Instagram.
A pro-Palestine student activist, Momodou Taal, has alleged he was detained for six hours by UK police at Heathrow Airport under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000, in what he described as an attempt to intimidate and silence dissent.
In a statement shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, Taal said three officers were waiting for him as soon as he disembarked, marking the fourth time he had returned to the UK since leaving the United States.
He said officers told him the detention was about “keeping the UK safe”, a justification he described as “absurd”.
During the six-hour detention, Taal said he was questioned about his childhood, religious background, mosque attendance, friendships and political views.
He added that his phone and laptop were confiscated, his DNA taken, and that he was informed detainees under Schedule 7 have no right to remain silent.
The activist linked the incident to what he described as months of targeted repression following his participation in pro-Palestine protests in the United States, including alleged harassment by immigration authorities and disciplinary action by Cornell University.
He also suggested possible intelligence-sharing between UK and US authorities, saying the episode formed part of a broader effort to suppress pro-Palestinian activism.
“This was not about safety. It was about silencing dissent. And it will not work,” he said.
Taal, 31, is a citizen of the United Kingdom and The Gambia.
UK authorities have not commented on the incident.
(Gambiana)
Support Groundbreaking Anti-Imperialist Journalism: Stand with Orinoco Tribune!
For 7 years, we’ve delivered unwavering truth from the Global South frontline – no corporate filters, no hidden agenda.
Last year’s impact:
• More than 250K active users demanding bold perspectives
• 280 original pieces published in 2025 alone
Fuel our truth-telling: Every contribution strengthens independent media that challenges imperialism.
Be the difference: DONATE now to keep radical journalism alive!
