PRESS RELEASE
FREETOWN | 24th July, 2020
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) rejoices over the historic repeal by the Sierra Leone Parliament of the 55-year-old Part 5 of the infamous Public Order Act of 1965, which criminalises free speech and the work of the media, and the enactment of a New IMC Bill 2020 which seeks to regulate same.
Thursday, 23rd July, 2020 will be remembered as Freedom Day not only for journalists but for all Sierra Leoneans. The biggest beneficiary of the repeal of this bad law is Sierra Leone. Our beloved country has now joined the enviable community of progressive nations, where free (and responsible) speech is guaranteed and protected by law.
SLAJ commends His Excellency the President Julius Maada Bio for providing the political will, his Minister of Information and Communications Mohamed Rahman Swarray for driving the process, and the Sierra Leone Parliament for fulfilling their obligation and ensuring the achievement of this huge milestone in freedom of expression and democracy in Sierra Leone.
“Freedom comes with great power and great power comes with great responsibility. By repealing Part 5 of the POA 1965 you have given us great freedom to do our work without fear or favour. Equally so, by enacting the new IMC Bill 2020 you have reminded us of the great responsibility that goes with that freedom. How we maintain that delicate balance is what all of us journalists should work towards as we go beyond the repeal,” said SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla.
Therefore, SLAJ assures the public that, with the support of the Government of Sierra Leone, the international community, the Sierra Leone Parliament, and media stakeholders such as the MRCG and IMC, we will embark on continuous capacity building trainings and enforcement of the ethical standards in the SLAJ Code of Ethics.
Meanwhile, we pay tribute to our founding members, our past Presidents, the Regional and National Executives, the general membership, Civil Society Groups, international press freedom organization, the Entertainment industry, and all those who in diverse ways supported this process.
Long Live The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ)! Long Live Sierra Leone!
Signed:
Mohamed Asmieu Bah National Secretary Genera
