It further noted that there are laid down procedures for obtaining such evidence, and the media should not be subjected to harassment and intimidation in the course of carrying out their duties.
The Guild of Newspaper Editors also expressed concern over the lack of due process, where no prior notice was given to the newspaper or its editor before the visit.
This action by the Sierra Leone Police raises concerns about the respect for the rule of law and the independence of the media in the country. In addition to the Guild of Newspaper Editors, the Central Base Journalists – Sierra Leone (CBJ-SL) and other mainstream media institutions have also condemned the visit to Voice of Salone Newspaper’s office. In joint team operations, they reiterated the importance of press freedom and called for the protection of journalists and media institutions in the country.
The CBJ-SL and other mainstream media institutions have called on the Sierra Leone Police to adhere to the rule of law and due process in their investigations. They have also urged the government to ensure the safety and protection of journalists in the country, as media freedom is a cornerstone of a democratic society.
As a result of the incident, several journalists have expressed fear for their safety and the future of press freedom in Sierra Leone. They have also raised concerns about a potential chilling effect on investigative journalism and the reporting of sensitive issues in the country.
In that regard, the actions of the Sierra Leone Police in visiting the office of Voice of Salone Newspaper without due process have sparked widespread condemnation from various media institutions.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting press freedom and upholding the rule of law in Sierra Leone. The Guild of Newspaper Editors, CBJ-SL, and other mainstream media institutions are calling for swift action to be taken to address this issue and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
Credit: CBJ-SL TEAM
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