The Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) is concerned about the threat of arrest against Salone Times Newspaper Editor Thomas Dixon by the Inspector General of Police (IGP). This has reportedly led to the journalist and his family hiding. This follows a post on Facebook by Mr. Dixon, which was critical of the IGP.
“That we still receive threats of arrests (whether real or perceived) against journalists leaves much to be desired. There are prescribed ways to do things. We call for the safety of our colleague, Thomas Dixon, while any issue is being addressed, including the IGP’s concerns about unprofessionalism,” said Dr. Francis Sowa, MRCG’s National Coordinator. The MRCG commends the steps the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has taken to address the matter.
The MRCG is concerned that despite repealing Part 5 of the Public Order Act of 1965, several engagements with security agencies on journalists’ safety, and government commitments to ensure media and press freedom, there are still reports of threats against journalists.
The MRCG’s press freedom reports have severally called on the government and the security forces to ensure journalists’ safety, especially after several engagements on the subject matter.
The MRCG calls on the Sierra Leone Police to address the issue amicably as soon as possible and ensure the journalist and his family’s safety.
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Independent Media Commission of Sierra Leone – IMC
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Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion ICPNC -SL
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Thomas Dixon
