By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has formally expressed serious concerns about the proposed Counter-Terrorism Act, 2024, highlighting its potential to undermine press freedom and restrict Freedom of Expression in the country.
In a position paper submitted to Parliament, SLAJ outlined several issues with the bill, urging lawmakers to amend its provisions to safeguard journalistic independence and protect the rights of media professionals in Sierra Leone.
While recognizing the importance of robust counter-terrorism measures to address national security threats, SLAJ emphasized that some aspects of the bill, particularly its broad and vague definitions, could be misused to target journalists and inhibit public discourse. The association pointed out that certain sections of the bill could criminalize legitimate journalistic work, leading to harsh consequences for those who report on sensitive issues or investigate matters of public interest.
In addition, one of the primary concerns raised by SLAJ is the expansion of the definition of terrorism within the bill, which could include journalistic reporting on protests, security issues, and government actions. The broad wording of the bill could make it difficult for journalists to carry out their work freely, as reporting on topics deemed controversial or sensitive could be classified as “terrorist activities.”
Additionally, SLAJ highlighted the criminalization of information dissemination, with severe penalties for journalists who report on topics that are seen as a threat to national security, even if their work is in the public interest. This provision could lead to the prosecution of journalists for publishing stories or conducting investigations into government actions or security matters, effectively stifling critical reporting.
The bill also introduces harsh penalties, including long prison sentences, for individuals accused of “inducing terrorism” — a term that could be broadly interpreted to include acts such as investigative reporting or interviewing controversial figures. SLAJ expressed concern that such provisions would have a chilling effect on journalistic freedom, deterring journalists from pursuing stories that are vital to public knowledge.
SLAJ’s position paper calls for clearer definitions and stronger safeguards within the Counter-Terrorism Bill to protect journalists. Specifically, the association demands that the law include a precise and narrow definition of terrorism that excludes journalistic activities, political expression, and peaceful assembly from being misclassified as terrorist acts. Furthermore, SLAJ is advocating for exemptions for journalists and media professionals from criminal liability when reporting on sensitive issues that are in the public interest.
Another key demand is the reduction of excessive penalties, which could intimidate journalists and lead to self-censorship. SLAJ argues that the proposed penalties are disproportionate and would create an environment of fear and uncertainty for media practitioners.
To prevent the misuse of the Act, SLAJ has called for judicial oversight and review of any cases where journalists are accused under the bill. This would ensure that the law is applied fairly and that journalists are not arbitrarily arrested or prosecuted for their work. The association also recommends the establishment of a media oversight body that would review cases involving journalists accused under the Act, providing an additional layer of protection for the press.
SLAJ cautioned Parliament that passing the Counter-Terrorism Act without addressing these concerns would further erode the space for free expression in Sierra Leone. The association compared the potential impact of the bill to the controversial Cyber Security and Crime Law, which has been used to detain journalists and civil society actors. SLAJ warned that, like the cyber law, the Counter-Terrorism Act could be selectively enforced, with its provisions used to target dissenting voices and critical journalists.
In a statement, SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla expressed strong opposition to the criminalization of journalism under the guise of national security. He urged Parliament to take the association’s concerns seriously before enacting the bill into law.
“We have seen how the Cyber Security and Crime Law has been used to detain journalists and civil actors, effectively replacing the notorious criminal libel law. A Counter-Terrorism law on top of that opens more opportunities for suppression of critical journalists and dissenting views,” Nasralla said.
SLAJ remains committed to engaging with Parliament, civil society organizations, and international partners to ensure that any counter-terrorism legislation strikes the right balance between national security and fundamental freedoms.
