The Spanish gays, who were supposed to appear in court yesterday on charges of "unnatural" offence, were confirmed to have been released on Tuesday evening.

The release came less than 24 hours after the charge was slammed on the two Spaniards.

Contacted on telephone, Nicola El Busto, the Spanish deputy honorary consul in The Gambia, had this to say: ''I can confirm what most of us already knew . Pere Joan and Juan Monpserratruau have been released since yesterday (Tuesday) evening.'' However, Mr Busto declined to give further details about the beleaguered Spaniards.

Two men were taken into custody on Friday May 30, after two taxi drivers reported "unholy" advances made on them by the two men.

President Jammeh has warned against homosexuality and threatened to close down hotels and lodges that harbour gays. "We are in a Muslim-dominated country and I will not and shall never accept such individuals in this country," he said.  

The president's stance was welcomed my many Gambians, notably Alhaji Banding Drammeh, the president of the Supreme Islamic Council.