Statement by SLAJ President on World Press Freedom Day
Saturday 3rd May 2014 – Fellow Sierra Leoneans, as we observe this year’s World Press Freedom Day, let us take a moment to remember those 90 journalists all over the world who have paid the ultimate price whilst practicing this most noble profession, and those countless others in jail for performing their professional duty.
In Sierra Leone, over the last 12 months, 21 journalists have had altercations with the law. All 20 of these were either detained between 4 hours and 5 days at the CID, or remanded between one and 15 days at the Pademba road prisons.
Also for the first time in over ten years, 2 journalists were convicted on criminal libel charges. These individual cases of detention, court appearances, remand and conviction involving 12 journalists, concerned the President, Vice President, three senior government ministers and functionaries, along with the ruling party.
Most times the arresting officers have intimated that they are working on orders from above. I call on all government officials and politicians, to make “orders from above” a thing of the past.
A journalist from 98.1 radio, was severely beaten up by Police whilst covering the funeral of the Ansarul student gunned down by police in their school compound. Efforts to seek justice were frustrated by the Senior OSD Police officer who led the team, as he refused to identify his men, thereby thwarting all efforts to investigate the issue.
Another journalist was arrested because he questioned a police officer who had threatened to arrest a taxi driver. While under detention at the Adelaide street police station he was slapped by a police officer who misunderstood his attempt to take out his phone to make a call, as an attempt to try to take his picture. The journalist was subsequently charged to court for obstruction.
In the light of these challenges there is every need for a courageous and professional media to continue to provide the required space for free expression and democracy to thrive.
These cases of misuse and abuse of the law by police officers and politicians on journalists and defenceless and illiterate Sierra Leoneans highlights the sub-theme for this years Press Freedom Day, which is Rule of Law to Ensure safety of journalists and combating impunity.
In order to address these issues, I have met with the leadership of the Police and the political leadership of the country. I have been assured of a fruitful working relationship in a more conducive environment for all professional journalists.
I again reiterate the call for the criminal libel laws to be abolished and for the Independent Media Commission to be empowered, respected, and given the political space to perform its regulatory function. Also that the Access to information law be made workable and active to enable journalists and ordinary citizens to access information freely as by law established
I would however be remiss in my duty if I fail to admonish my colleagues to practice within the limits of our ethical boundaries. Reckless journalism has no place in our dispensation. We must ensure that we raise the standards of professionalism, such that our integrity and credibility are without blemish.
I thank you for your attention.
Signed: Kelvin Lewis, President, SLAJStay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
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