SLAJ sends petition – decriminalisation of libel
His Excellency Dr Ernest Bai Koroma President of the Republic of Sierra Leone State House FreetownYour Excellency Sir,
PETITION: DE-CRIMILISATION OF LIBEL
We write to remind you of the continued existence of the Criminal and Seditious Libel Law in the country’s 1965 Public Order Act and your repeated assurances to us for its review and subsequent repeal before the end of your current mandate in 2012.
Your Excellency Sir, as you know, Part V of this Act was passed for one reason ONLY: to muzzle the press and inhibit the freedom of journalists. With Sierra Leone regarded internationally as a country with the potential to become a beacon of democracy and good governance in Africa, we urge you to set in motion the process by which libel can be decriminalised. We plead with you to make real your expressed commitment for the repeal of this law which serves no purpose in a civilised democracy such as we all aspire for our country to become.
Once again, Your Excellency, just as you have ensured the corporatisation of the former state broadcaster, Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation, we urge that you do all you possibly can to decriminalise libel before the end of your current mandate, as you have promised.
Looking forward to your usual cooperation.
Umaru Fofana
PRESIDENT
CC: Hon. Minister of Information
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