At a glance-
Freedom of the Press 2016: Sierra Leone
In December, the editor of the Independent Observer was arrested and charged with publishing false information. The paper had incurred multiple sanctions from the IMC over the preceding year.
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Freedom of the Press 2015: Sierra Leone
Ranked 103 in annual global media freedom report
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Freedom in the World 2014: Sierra Leone
Police open fire on residents protesting development of palm oil plantation
2 February 1998
Alert
Journalist forced into hiding, newspaper suspended
Incident details
Sorie Sudan Sesay journalist(s)(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - Sorie Sudan Sesay, a senior journalist for the
"Independent Observer", has been forced into hiding following the issue of a
warrant for his arrest in connection with an article claiming that Iranian
soldiers were due to come to Sierra Leone.
As well, "The Democrat" suspended publication in recent days following
threats from government officials. On 16 January 1998, another publication,
the "Standard Times", was banned for an indefinite period of time due to an
article considered "offensive to the junta". The article in question quoted
the deposed president Ahmed Tejan Kabbah and criticised France and China for
supporting the junta (see IFEX alert of 2 February 1998).
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
immediately and that the warrant for his arrest is withdrawn
internationally guaranteed right to freedom of expression
attacks against the independent press in Sierra Leone over the past month
the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Sierra Leone
has ratifed
Appeals To
Major Johnny Paul Koroma
State House
Freetown
Sierra Leone
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
Source
ARTICLE 19: Global Campaign for Free Expression
6-8 Amwell Street
London
EC1R 1UQ
United Kingdom
info (@) article19.org
Fax:+44 20 7278 7660
- Most covered free expression issues in this country