FORUM NEWSPAPER believes that media freedom is a necessary component of a democratic society, and it is particularly critical in countries like Sierra Leone that are still emerging from a history of political upheaval and conflict. Ensuring that journalists and media outlets have the ability to report the news freely and without fear of reprisal is vital to building a transparent and accountable government and fostering civic engagement among the population.
One important law that ensures media freedom in Sierra Leone is the 1991 Constitution. Article 19 of the Constitution expressly protects the freedom of expression, including the freedom of the press and other media outlets. The Constitution provides that “Every person shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, which shall include freedom of the press and other media,” ensuring journalists and others have the legal right to report on the news without fear of censorship or retribution. It is also important to take into consideration Article 19 of UDHR which clearly stated that, everyone has right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. These are evidences that we should not be intimidated by revealing the truth knowing that personal attack is no way connected.
It is worthy to take into cognisance that there is a constitutional protection. Sierra Leone has also enacted specific laws designed to guarantee media freedom. For example, the 2010 Independent Media Commission Act created an independent body charged with overseeing the media in Sierra Leone. The Commission is responsible for ensuring that media outlets operate in compliance with ethical and professional standards, but it also serves to protect journalists’ rights and promote media freedom. Our (FORUM NEWSPAPER) critical question is, Does the IMC gives due diligence to oppressors against media outlets? Let the readers provide answers to this critical question.
Despite these legal protections, media freedom in Sierra Leone is not always guaranteed. In recent years, there have been incidents of journalists being intimidated, harassed, and even attacked for reporting on sensitive political issues. Additionally, media outlets have sometimes faced pressure from the government, with officials seeking to influence coverage or restrict journalists’ access to information.
To ensure that media freedom is fully protected in Sierra Leone, FORUM NEWSPAPER wants to bring to light that, it is important for both the government and Civil Society to remain vigilant. Government officials must respect the rights of journalists to report on issues of public interest without intimidation or harassment, and Civil Society Organizations must continue to advocate for media freedom and encourage the development of a robust and independent media sector.
With the combination of strong legal protections and a commitment to maintaining an open and transparent society, Sierra Leone has the potential to become a model of media freedom for other countries in the region. Only by ensuring that journalists can operate freely and without fear can the country truly build a democratic society that reflects the will and desires of its citizens.
