CIVIL LIBERTIES UNDER ATTACK
The situation in Sierra Leone has taken a troubling turn, with the country seemingly slipping into a police state where civil liberties are under attack. Journalists, lawyers, and civil rights advocates are finding themselves targeted as enemies of the state, facing violent limitations on their ability to practice their professions without fear of reprisal.
One such case that has sparked outrage is the disappearance of journalist Thomas Josephus Dixon. Dixon went missing shortly after he posted on his Xaccount(Twitter) about alleged abuses of power or unethical conduct by the Inspector General of Sierra Leone Police. The Inspector General of Police is said to have ordered the transfer of a case from the West End Police Station to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), with the original Crime Officer being transferred to a different province for his impartial handling of the matter.
It has been suggested that the Inspector General of Police , William Fayia Sellu, has a personal interest in the case, leading Dixon to launch his own investigation in an attempt to uncover the truth and prevent any unjust interference in the legal process. The disappearance of Dixon has raised concerns about the dangerous environment for those who seek to hold the authorities accountable and shine a light on potential wrongdoing.
The situation in Sierra Leone serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting freedom of speech and the press, as well as maintaining the independence of the judiciary, police and other institutions. The targeting of individuals like Dixon sends a chilling message to all those who dare to speak out against abuses of power, and highlights the urgent need for action to ensure that civil rights advocates, lawyers and journalists can work freely and without fear of reprisal.
Ibrahim Sorie Dumbuya.
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