SLAJ shocked by detention of journalist by magistrate
Freetown – In what is one of the most shocking things to happen to a journalist here in recent times, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists is consternated by the reported detention by Magistrate MAB Shyllon of journalist Arthwah Maddie of For Di People newspaper.
We express our utter disgust at this action not least because it was done extra-judicially and bears the hallmarks of a classic case of an abuse of authority by the magistrate.
According to a letter of complaint to SLAJ by the Managing Editor of the Newspaper, Maddie was detained for hours in a cell because he had published a story on a rape case in which he inadvertently stated the age of the accused as 15 years instead of 18 years.
Even though the journalist tried to explain that it was a typo, the magistrate reportedly refused to listen to him and ordered that he be locked up. “This is tantamount to a soldier shooting dead a journalist who inadvertently published his correct name but his uniform colour as grey instead of green,” says Umaru Fofana, SLAJ President. “It breaches all normal, acceptable and civilised channels for redress in a case involving the work of a journalist” he adds.
SLAJ equally condemns the reported order issued by Magistrate Shyllon for the arrest of Maddie whenever he is seen around the Law Courts Building in Freetown. We wish to state it emphatically that the magistrate has no right to issue such orders as that is nothing short of a blatant attempt to inhibit freedom of movement and press freedom. SLAJ will take up the matter with the appropriate authorities shortly. We wish to remind all who care to listen that there are laid down procedures in seeking redress should someone feel aggrieved by an action of a journalist.
Ismael Koroma, Ag National Secretary-General, SLAJ
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