Skip to main content

SLAJ Calls on Police and Politicians to Respect Media Freedom

Sierra Leone Association of Journalists
1st Floor,
56 Campbell Street,
Freetown, Sierra Leone
P.M.B. 724,
Website: www.slajsl.org; Email: slaj.salone@gmail.com
President:+232 76 470288 / +232 30 470288, Secretary-General:+232 78 445300 __________________________________________
PRESS RELEASE

Freetown: 13th November, 2019

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) is pleased to officially inform its membership and the general public that the journalist who was detained on Monday, 11th November 2019, by the Sierra Leone Police has been released on bail through the intervention of the Association and the Ministry of Information and Communications.

The journalist, Salieu Tejan Jalloh, Manging Editor of The Times SL Newspaper, spent almost 24 hours in detention at the Criminal Investigations Department without any official charge or reason for his arrest.

While his release was our priority as we engaged with the Police throughout yesterday (Tuesday, 12th November, 2019), we wish to raise some key concerns.

SLAJ totally condemns the manner in which the Police moved in to arrest and lock up the journalist, who did not publish anything malicious or defamatory other than trying to crosscheck information that he had; which we believe is a standard journalistic practice.

Furthermore, the journalist alleged that the police officers who arrested him went to his office at Soldier Street, Freetown, on the pretext of wanting to place an advert in his newspaper, and manhandled him in the process of effecting an arrest.

We are particularly concerned that this is coming at a time when the Government has shown great commitment to repeal the obnoxious Criminal Libel Law and promoting media freedom.

“The action by the Sierra Leone Police was absolutely wrong and we totally condemn it. It is time to break this unholy partnership between the police and politicians locking up journalists from time to time using the Criminal Libel Law. The Police must understand that we are law abiding citizens and we are not criminals,” said the President of SLAJ, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla.

Meanwhile, while SLAJ will continue to engage the Police we also call on our membership to always practice within the parameters of the SLAJ Code of Ethics and the Independent Media Commission’s Code of Practice.

Signed:
Mohamed Asmieu Bah
National Secretary General

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

IMC Boss Engages Bo District Council Chairman

By: Paul Kamara The Chairman of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa Esq, conducted a familiarization visit on Friday, 12th July 2024, to the Bo District Council Chairman, Victor Korseh Hindowa, at his Administrative Office in Falaba Section, Bo. Accompanying Chairman Kapuwa was his Executive Secretary, Mr. Khalil Kallon, along with Commissioners and staff from the Southern Region. During the visit, Mr. Khalil Kallon discussed the purpose of their visit, which was to formally introduce the IMC Chairman to the District Council Chairman, create familiarity, and provide an opportunity for Chairman Kapuwa to share his vision and aspirations for the commission. In his address to the Bo District Council Chairman, Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa Esq emphasized his commitment to meeting with various stakeholders across the country to build relationships. He also highlighted the commission's activities and its role in registering and regulating media institutions. Chairman Ka...
Post a Comment
Read more

Makeni Medical Mission Brings Hope and Healing to Bombali District

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Residents of the Asker Amputee Camp in Makeni City, including various war victims, are rejoicing over the inauguration of the Makeni Medical Mission health facility, established by philanthropist, author, and pastor Mr. Bambay Sawaneh, alongside his partners in the United States. This newly launched medical facility, comprising 11 treatment rooms, was developed with the support of Southeastern Medical International (SMI) and the Concord Christian Church. Their mission is to deliver compassionate healthcare and a range of medical services to the people of Bombali District and surrounding areas, with a particular focus on war victims and vulnerable families living in the Asker Amputee Camp at Robureh. At the official opening ceremony in Makeni city, a team of 10 medical missionaries from Southeastern Medical International, including Sheila Yates, a seasoned medical missionary with two decades of experience in the US, provided free medical care to 100 individuals,...
Post a Comment
Read more

Yoni Chiefdom Crowns Journalist Richmond Tholley as Ceremonial Chief

By Azrat Umar Saidu Turay The ceremony which took place on Sunday, May 26th, 2025, at Yoni Bana Town within Tonkolili district brought brought together eminent personality across the Northern -East parts of Serra Leone. The event was attended by dignitaries, community leaders, family members, and well-wishers, all gathered to witness this significant moment in the history of the Yoni Chiefdom. The ceremony began with traditional rituals, including the presentation of gifts and offerings to the ancestors, symbolizing respect for the rich heritage and customs of the Yoni people.  Elders from the chiefdom, adorned in traditional attire, played a pivotal role in the proceedings, blessing Tholley and imparting wisdom as he embarks on this new journey. Richmond B. Tholley, known for his dedication to journalism and community service, expressed deep gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him.  In his acceptance speech, he emphasized the importance of unity, cultural preservation, and developm...
Post a Comment
Read more