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
11 February 1998
Alert
Three newspapers suspended; one journalist detained
Incident details
Martins I. Martin journalist(s) detained(RSF/IFEX) - On 4 February 1998, the independent triweeklies "The Vision"
and "Independent Observer" were officially suspended for failing to pay
their registration taxes. On 21 January 1998, the Minister of Information
had demanded that newspapers be registered or re-registered before 31
January 1998, for a fee of 50 US$ and 25 US$ respectively. On 16 January
1998, the independent weekly "Standard Times" was shut down by the
authorities. No official reason was given.
Martins I. Martin, a journalist with "Business News", has been held for more
than a month for allegedly spying for the Ecomog forces.
Sierra Leone has ratified the International Convenant on Civil and Political
Rights, Article 19 of which guarantees the freedom to inform and to be informed.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
and "Independent Observer" to resume publication
his profession
Appeals To
Major Johnny Paul Koroma
State House
Sierra Leone
(Fax is currently out of order)
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
Source
Reporters Without Borders
47, rue Vivienne
75002 Paris
France
rsf (@) rsf.org
Fax:+33 1 45 23 11 51
- Most covered free expression issues in this country