PRESS RELEASE
WANAMDEL CONDEMNS THREATS AGAINST JOURNALIST THOMAS DIXON, CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE GUARANTEES OF HIS SAFETY
Saturday, 28th December 2024
The West Africa Network of Activists and Media Defense Lawyers (WANAMDEL) strongly condemns the threats and intimidation directed at journalist Thomas Dixon, Editor of Salone Times Newspaper and Publisher of New Age Newspaper, by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Fayia Sellu, following a Facebook post critical of his conduct.
As a network committed to defending press freedom and protecting journalists from legal and institutional harassment, WANAMDEL views these threats as a grave assault on Sierra Leone’s democratic gains, including the repeal of the criminal libel law under Part 5 of the Public Order Act of 1965.
Journalists play an indispensable role in upholding democracy, holding power to account, and amplifying the voices of citizens. Any attempt to suppress this role through threats of arrest undermines the progress Sierra Leone has made in promoting freedom of expression and human rights.
We commend the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and other media bodies for engaging with the Inspector General of Police and other stakeholders to de-escalate the situation. However, the reported need for Mr. Dixon and his family to go into hiding is unacceptable in a democracy.
WANAMDEL therefore makes the following urgent appeals:
- To the Inspector General of Police:
- Issue a public statement guaranteeing the safety and security of Mr. Dixon and his family.
-
Utilize institutional mechanisms, such as the Independent Media Commission (IMC), to address grievances with the media rather than resorting to threats or intimidation.
- To the Government of Sierra Leone:
- Reinforce its commitment to protecting press freedom and ensure that state institutions respect the constitutional rights of journalists and citizens.
WANAMDEL reiterates its commitment to providing legal assistance to journalists and activists under threat across West Africa. We are ready to intervene in defense of Thomas Dixon should his rights be further infringed.
The safety of journalists is critical to the health of any democracy. As a pro bono legal defense network supported by the Media Foundation for West Africa, we will continue to stand against any actions that erode press freedom and civic expression.
Signed,
Paul Kamara Esq.
Member, WANAMDEL – Sierra Leone
For Media Inquiries, Contact:
[+23277362788]
[paulkamara999@gmail.com]
