Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has raised concern after Sierra Leonean journalist Melvin Tejan Mansaray was denied access to Parliament for more than one year.
According to RSF, Mansaray, who is known for reporting on parliamentary affairs, has been banned from entering the Parliament building since 10 January 2025 after he criticised Members of Parliament during a discussion on Radio Democracy. The organisation said the ban was imposed without any legal process or court order.
RSF said the decision has seriously affected the journalist’s work and career, noting that he has lost several professional opportunities, including his role as a parliamentary correspondent for a radio station. The group described the situation as a violation of press freedom and called on the authorities to lift the restriction.
The ban was ordered by the Speaker of Parliament, who accused the journalist of insulting conduct and criticising the work of Parliament. However, RSF said no clear evidence was presented to support the allegations, and the matter was not handled through the Independent Media Commission, which is responsible for media-related complaints in Sierra Leone.
Media organisations, including the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, have also expressed concern that the decision could create fear among journalists and weaken the freedom of the press in the country.
RSF warned that preventing journalists from covering Parliament affects public access to information and reduces transparency in government activities. The organisation urged the authorities to ensure that journalists can carry out their work freely without intimidation or restrictions.
