By Sulaiman Aruna Sesay
Press freedom is one of the fundamental aspects of democracy, and any attempt to curtail it is a threat to our democracy. Journalists have a critical role in society, which is to inform the public about the happenings in the country to promote good governance and accountability. The recent attacks on Sierra Leonean journalists are a clear indication that the fourth estate is under threat.
Across the world, journalists are often subjected to threats, intimidation, and harassment in their quest to report the truth and hold those in power accountable. Sierra Leone is no exception, and over the years, journalists have been at the receiving end of various attacks. These attacks range from arrest and detention, physical assault, online harassment, and even murder.
Quite recently, two outstanding journalists faced serious attacks. It was reported that journalist Munya Bawoh of All out Radio 90.1FM allegedly assaulted by police officers in Kenema while investigating a human interest story. A renowned journalist by the name of Thomas Dixon reportedly attacked online by unknown individual threatening his life. Are these two attacks reflective of Press Freedom in Sierra Leone?
These attacks are a clear indication that the press freedom in Sierra Leone is under threat. The attacks also illustrate a worrying trend where the government is trying to silence the fourth estate. Journalists are increasingly being subjected to harassment, intimidation, and censorship, which, when combined, reduce their ability to hold those in power accountable.
These attacks on journalists undermine Sierra Leone’s democracy by limiting the public’s access to information. Democracy depends on vibrant press freedom, and any attempt to limit media freedom undermines citizens’ rights to be informed and to hold those in power accountable.
A free press is crucial to good governance and accountability. Journalists play a pivotal role in promoting transparency and ensuring that those in power are held accountable for their actions. The government must, therefore, create an enabling environment that supports press freedom and allows journalists to operate without fear of harassment, intimidation, or censorship.
The recent attacks on Sierra Leonean journalists are a cause for concern and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. The government must take immediate steps to end these attacks, respect the freedom of the press, and allow journalists to operate freely without fear of persecution. Press freedom is fundamental to democracy, and any attempts to curtail it are a threat to our democracy. The government must, therefore, demonstrate a commitment to press freedom and uphold the rights of journalists to hold those in power accountable.
