CPJ/IFEX – (Sources used: CPJ, AFP) On 15 September 1998, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) released a statement requesting that foreigners demanding clemency for five journalists — Ibrahim Kargbo, Hilton Fyle, Gipu Felix George, Dennis Smith and Olivia Mensah, who were convicted 23 August of treason and sentenced to death on 24 August […]
CPJ/IFEX – (Sources used: CPJ, AFP) On 15 September 1998, the Sierra Leone
Association of Journalists (SLAJ) released a statement requesting that
foreigners demanding clemency for five journalists — Ibrahim Kargbo, Hilton
Fyle, Gipu Felix George, Dennis Smith and Olivia Mensah, who were convicted
23 August of treason and sentenced to death on 24 August — show restraint
in their efforts on the journalists’ behalf.
**This alert contains information further to IFEX alert of 27 August and 25
August; for background information see IFEX alerts of 14 and 1 April 1998**
The statement, which was signed by SLAJ president Frank Kposowa, said “We
would…. ask that our international colleagues exercise restraint and
temperance in connection with the matter. We shall always uphold the
principles of democracy and will continue to encourage our members to
respect the rule of law and abide by the constitution.”
The SLAJ statement was released shortly after Defense Minister Hinga Norman
charged that all newspaper journalists and publishers are junta
collaborators. He was quoted as saying that “it is reckless of journalists
to put out to the reader what the rebels’ plans are and not what the
government’s plans are.” “The Vision” newspaper reacted to Minister Norman’s
accusations by publishing a reply stating that his charges only served to
further endanger the lives of journalists.
CPJ sources believe that the SLAJ position was articulated after the defense
minister’s statement because of fears for the safety of their membership in
an environment where personal security is still severely compromised.
