Despite the lifting of the notorious Public Order Act of 1965, which criminalized libel and restricted press freedom, journalists in Sierra Leone continue to face threats, intimidation, and violence. The recent incident involving SLPP Kono Chairman Saffea Lesley Moiwa, who allegedly threatened a journalist for reporting on stalled road construction projects, is just one example of a troubling pattern of attacks on the media.
🔴 A History of Threats and Violence Against Journalists in Sierra Leone
📌 1999 – Sierra Leone was declared the world’s most dangerous country for journalists, with 10 media workers killed.
📌 2005 – For Di People editor Harry Yansaneh died after being beaten, allegedly by individuals linked to a ruling SLPP politician. No one was charged.
📌 2004-2005 – Journalist Paul Kamara was imprisoned for 14 months for publishing critical reports on then-President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah.
📌 2022 – Broadcast journalist Maada Jessie Jengo was brutally assaulted by four soldiers for his reporting.
📌 2023 – BBC correspondent Umaru Fofana was harassed and threatened by political supporters at a public event.
📌 2024 – Investigative journalist Dr. Chernoh Alpha M. Bah faced cyber harassment and threats for exposing corruption.
📌 2024 – Journalist Thomas Dixon was harassed by the Sierra Leone police during his coverage of a public protest. He was detained, assaulted, and his equipment was confiscated, demonstrating how police intimidation targets those holding power to account.
📌 2024 – The Sierra Leone Parliament banned journalist Melvin Mansaray from attending parliamentary sessions. The move was widely seen as a direct attack on his journalistic rights, as he had reported critically on issues related to government policies and operations.
These cases show that while legal barriers to press freedom have been removed, the culture of impunity and political hostility toward journalists remains deeply entrenched.
📢 We Demand Action!
We call on:
✅ The Government of Sierra Leone to take concrete steps to protect journalists and uphold their right to report freely.
✅ The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) to strongly condemn and take action against all threats to media practitioners.
✅ National & International Human Rights Organizations to monitor attacks on journalists and hold perpetrators accountable.
✅ The Sierra Leone Police to investigate all cases of violence and threats against journalists and ensure justice is served.
📝 Journalism is not a crime. Press freedom is a pillar of democracy. Threats and violence against journalists will not silence the truth!
