The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) is deeply concerned about recent online attacks against journalist Thomas Josephus Dixon, especially from Anthony Vandy writing on social media. The journalist also reported receiving threatening SMS and WhatsApp messages from unknown mobile phone numbers.
Dixon, the Editor of Salone Times Newspaper, is an outspoken socio-political commentator and a vociferous critic of public officials he believes are abusing their offices. The recent online attacks and threats emanated from his Facebook post accusing the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Madam Fatima Maada Bio, of being arrogant.
“These continuous online attacks on journalists for merely expressing their views and opinions on public officials and national issues are unwarranted. Democracy and good governance thrive on the right of citizens (including journalists) to freely express themselves. We are seeing a consistent pattern of fanatic and overzealous political supporters attacking journalists and political commentators whose publications they disagree with. We urge politicians and public officials to admonish their supporters to refrain from such undemocratic and ill-motivated endeavour,” said the President of SLAJ, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla.
SLAJ has also received a complaint from its former Secretary SLAJ Southern Region, Alie Badara, of receiving death threats and threats to burn his house allegedly from supporters loyal to the AIG Southern Region of the Sierra Leone Police. Dixon and Badara have been advised to officially report their cases to the police, while the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) has been informed about the alleged attacks.
SLAJ believes that the safety and well-being of journalists must be safeguarded, both online and offline. No journalist should fear for their life or face intimidation simply for doing their job. We urge the authorities to take swift and decisive action to investigate these threats and hold to account those responsible.
SLAJ stands in solidarity with Dixon and Badara, and all journalists in Sierra Leone who face threats, intimidation, harassment, and attacks for their commitment to speaking truth to power and public accountability. SLAJ is committed to defending press freedom and ensuring journalists can carry out their critical work without fear of reprisal.
Signed:
Alhaji Manika Kamara
National Secretary-General
