By MRCG Secretariat
The Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) welcomes the Ministry of Defence (MOD) investigation into the allegations concerning the attack of journalist Maada Jessie Jengo of the Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD) radio by soldiers of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF).
In a press release issued on 8 July 2022, the Office of the Directorate of Defence, Public Relations and Information states that “the MOD regrets the unfortunate occurrence which does not represent the RSLAF core values of good discipline and selfless service.” The MOD notes that its attention was drawn to the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) press release of 4 July 2022 reporting the alleged assault of the journalist. The MOD release notes that “the soldiers have been identified and an investigation into the allegations is ongoing in accordance with military procedures.” The MOD assured SLAJ of RSLAF’s commitment for mutual cooperation and cordial relationship in the discharge of their duties.
Meanwhile, the MRCG also welcomes the move by the Clerk of Sierra Leone’s Parliament to constitute a committee to investigate an alleged ‘physical assault’ on journalist Abdulai Gbla and make recommendations. The MRCG is also delighted that even before the committee commences investigation, the Clerk of Parliament according to a press release issued by SLAJ had apologized to Mr. Gbla.
The MRCG in its monthly Media Freedom Review has been following the matter. Abdulai Gbla, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gbla TV Online on 28 June 2022 wrote a letter of complaint to the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) regarding an alleged ‘physical assault’ on him by a Member of Parliament (MP), Hon. Abdul Muniru Lansana of Constituency 121. Hon. Abdul Muniru Lansana in response told the MRCG that he ‘did not assault’ the journalist as he had alleged, but rather ‘hit his phone to stop filming the incident’ after he had previously asked the journalists not to film since the parliamentary sitting had been adjourned. (https://www.facebook.com/2226750424106118/posts/5274525639328566/).
The MRCG commends the actions of the MOD and the Sierra Leone Parliament to investigate the matters, and looks forward to speedy investigations. It particularly notes the interventions of SLAJ into the matters and views the steps taken by the institutions as indicative of the fact that the culture of impunity is no longer tolerated in a democratic society like Sierra Leone where the rule of law must prevail.
For more information, contact the MRCG on: 076324236/076866519/ mrcgonline.org
4th July 2022
PRESS RELEASE
SLAJ Condemns Alleged Assault of VOPAD Journalist by Soldiers & Urges Security Sector to Respect Citizens’ Fundamental Human Rights
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) vehemently condemns the alleged beating of journalist Maada Jessie Jengo of Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD) Radio FM 96.5 in Waterloo, Koya, Western Rural District, by soldiers of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF).
According to Maada, he was on his way onboard a commercial motorbike to the office on Saturday, 2nd July, 2022 at around 13:00hrs to 14:00hrs GMT at Five-Five fuel station, Waterloo, when they ran into a black jeep with registration number ANK 156 carrying four soldiers including a high ranking officer. The jeep, he narrated, was parked in the middle of the road denying access to the motorbike. He further explained that the bike rider and himself remarked against the action of the soldiers to park in the middle of the road when the officers disembarked the jeep and started beating both of them. Maada said he bore the brunt of the assault after the bike rider managed to escape leaving him at the mercy of the angry soldiers.
Maada explained that he pleaded with the soldiers to stop beating him. He alleged the soldiers seized his phone and recorder, and he lost the sum of One Million Six Hundred Thousand Leones (One Thousand Six Hundred Leones in the new notes).
The journalist made a formal report at the Waterloo Police Station and obtained a medical report on the same day of the incident. He is currently responding to treatment but complains of body pains as a result of the kicks and punches from the soldiers.
SLAJ is disappointed that even though the journalist was clearly identified by his t-shirt, the soldiers reportedly went ahead to assault him in the manner they did.
“The action of those soldiers is totally unacceptable in a democracy. An attack on any journalist is an attack on press freedom. I, therefore, urge personnel of the RSLAF to respect the MoU we have with the security sector to protect and support one another’s role in our democracy,” said SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla.
Meanwhile, SLAJ is calling on the security sector (the RSLAF and the SLP) to respect citizens’ fundamental human rights.
“The fundamental responsibility of the national security sector is to ensure the safety and security of the people, including those charged with various offences. Your (security sector) duty is to protect the people, and the people should also exercise their rights within the ambits of the law to protect the peace and stability of the country,” said Nasralla.
SLAJ further calls on the SLP and the RSLAF to investigate the incident involving the VOPAD journalist and take appropriate action.
Signed:
Alhaji Manika Kamara
National Secretary General
Abdoul Mahdieu Savage, Emeric Roy-coker and 23 others
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