Journalists in Sierra Leone threatened with “sanitisation” of media landscape
Sylvia Olayinka Blyden, special executive assistant to President Ernest Koroma, recently called on local journalists in Sierra Leone to “prepare for a massive and long overdue sanitisation” of the country’s media landscape.
Journalists detained on World Press Freedom Day in Sierra Leone
Two journalists were detained on World Press Freedom Day, and are being charged with criminal defamation for publishing supposedly pornographic photographs of a lawyer.
Private radio station has licence withdrawn in Sierra Leone
Afri Radio has resolved to take legal action against the Independent Media Commission after its broadcast license was withdrawn on 12 April 2013. A source at the radio station believes the withdrawal was politically-motivated.
Journalist assaulted while documenting eviction in Sierra Leone
A reporter had his equipment seized for taking photos of an eviction order carried out by police in Freetown. One officer told the journalist he would have dealt with him fatally if he weren’t in uniform.
Journalists assaulted, equipment seized in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leonean soldiers attacked journalists Poindexter Sama and Alie Turay, of the Awoko Newspaper, as they photographed the troops passing the newspaper’s offices.
Rights groups urge passage of Freedom of Information Bill
The legislation would allow the public to obtain access to information held by public bodies including information that was previously inaccessible, or that was considered sensitive such as government contracts with multinational companies.
District chairman forces radio off air, confiscates broadcast equipment
Radio Wanjei has been off air since 19 March 2012, when Sadiq Sallah stormed the station and seized their broadcasting equipment for allegedly breaching a contract with the Council.
TV cameraman assaulted by opposition party supporters
MFWA) correspondent reported that without provocation the SLPP supporters attacked Cole while he was filming persons being interviewed by his colleague Kargbo at the opposition party’s headquarters.
Two pastors assault newspaper editor; community radio journalists attacked
Editor Abdul Karim Fonti Kabia was assaulted by pastors of the Baptist Convention Church after publishing a story about the church’s leader.
Edition of newspaper seized by police
The seized edition of the paper included an article critical of Alhaji Allie Batorma Sheriff, former chair of the opposition Sierra Leonean People’s Party, who has now defected to the ruling All People’s Congress.
Presidential guards attack four journalists
Following the attack, Mohamed Fajah Barrie lost consciousness and was hospitalised; he has since been discharged.
Newspaper reporter receives death threat
Ibrahim Kalokoh was threatened by two staff members of the Port Authority on 2 July regarding a report he published about corruption within the institution.
Sports journalists under threat
Following a series of attacks by James Fofanah on journalists, the president of the Sports Writers Association, denounces attempts to instill fear and make sports journalists hesitate about conducting their regular activities.
Police arrest two suspects in murder of newspaper journalist
The two arrested men, Victor Haffman, headman of Kossoh town, and Musa Samura, a police constable, are expected to soon appear in court.
Newspaper editor attacked by ruling party militants
The editor believes his ordeal is related to his newspaper’s recent articles about the Ministry of Health.
Newspaper journalist stabbed to death
Ibrahim Foday’s death may be linked to a series of articles he published on an ongoing land dispute between the towns of Grafton and Kossoh.