Gambia Opposition Leader Ousainou Darboe Jailed

The judge found that Mr Darboe did not have permission for the demonstration and sentenced him, and the 18 others, on six charges relating to this.

Reports from the court says the convicted activists sang the national anthem after they were sentenced.

In a statement, the UDP called the trial a "farce" and described the verdict as a reflection of "a corrupt and discredited effort to arrest, torture and persecute innocent citizens".

In an interview in May, President Jammeh said it was "common" for people to die in detention or while under interrogation.

He said UN chief Ban Ki-moon and Amnesty International could "go to hell" for asking for an investigation.