Sacking Female Journalist… Govt Rubbishes Freedom Of Expression

By Edwina Sia Janga

Following the botched Town Hall meeting held on 23rd July 2024, in which a female supporter of the SLPP government questioned the inability of the President to address the unbearable economic situation in the country, a post by a female colleague Journalist working at the state broadcaster in Makeni has resulted in her summary dismissal on ‘orders from above’. This action by the authorities is a clear violation of the Journalist’s freedom of expression, and a clear manifestation of the government’s intolerance to opposing views.
After all, the Journalist was merely expressing her opposition to the hounding of the lady by state security and officials at the Town Hall meeting in full view of the President and the world. The lady was simply expressing what a majority of Sierra Leoneans are experiencing on a daily basis, and was merely a call for serious attention to the prevailing economic woes of the people.
This action by the government is clear indication that Freedom Of Expression is under siege in the country. As a passionate advocate of Human Rights and Freedom Of Expression, it is my view that the summary dismissal of the female journalist in Makeni is unfortunate and a wider picture of what many women face in the hands of state officials for standing up against the vice of corruption and intimidation in high places.
Focus 24/7 Newspaper joins the chorus of voices calling for the reinstatement of the female journalist in Makeni. Failing to do so will be tantamount to abuse of power and legalization of intimidation against dissenting voices. This event casts a shadow over the much trumpeted Freedom Of Expression loudly articulated by the government and a huge dent to its democratic credentials.