Editor’s prolonged detention could be politically motivated

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – ARTICLE 19 has written to President Kabbah to add its voice to those who have expressed grave concern about the prolonged detention without charge and threatened deportation of Emmanuel Sanossi, editor of “The Reporter” newspaper and a citizen of the Republic of Cameroon. Sanossi has been in detention since 26 August 1999 […]

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – ARTICLE 19 has written to President Kabbah to add its
voice to those who have expressed grave concern about the prolonged
detention without charge and threatened deportation of Emmanuel Sanossi,
editor of “The Reporter” newspaper and a citizen of the Republic of
Cameroon. Sanossi has been in detention since 26 August 1999 in connection
with an article published in his newspaper two days earlier. Then, on 3
September, a deportation order was reportedly served on him, on the grounds
that he does not have documents entitling him, as a foreign national, to
reside in Sierra Leone.

**Updates IFEX alerts of 3 September 1999**

Whatever the circumstances surrounding Sanossi’s residential status, ARTICLE
19 is concerned that the decision to deport him may be politically
motivated. If he is deported, ARTICLE 19 asks, to where will he be sent? If
it is to be to the Republic of Cameroon, has any assessment been made by the
authorities about whether his security there can be ensured? As President
Kabbah is aware, there are many foreign nationals in Sierra Leone who do not
have the correct documents. Sanossi appears to have been singled out for
deportation because of views expressed by his newspaper. If, as ARTICLE 19
suspects, this is the case, this would be a disproportionate and
discriminatory act by the Sierra Leone authorities.

Recommended Action

His Excellency Ahmad Tejan Kabbah

Presidential Lodge

Hill Station, Freetown

Sierra Leone

FAX: + 232 22 231 404 / 224 439