Media organizations condemn police brutality

Written by Francis Sowa

Monday, 18 August 2008

Independent Media Commission (IMC) says it views with concern the wanton violence perpetrated by members of the Sierra Leone Police against journalists while performing their professional and constitutional duty. IMC says it condemns such act of vandalism and calls on the Inspector General of Police to speedily investigate the matter and prosecute all those responsible for such acts, which they described as ‘uncivilized and undemocratic violation of the rights of media professionals in the execution of their lawful duty’. Bernadette Cole, chairperson of the Independent Media Commission says it specifically condemns the unprovoked attack on a senior member of the Commission in the person of Commissioner Christo Johnson at State House grounds by some overzealous supporters of the ruling party. Similarly, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) says it is appalled by news of the brutal treatment meted out to journalists by security personnel attached to State House. SLAJ calls on the police to take full responsibility for the action of their personnel. It pointed out that police have become more hostile to journalists than any other group of Sierra Leoneans. It says since the inception of the new APC government, the Association has documented a number of cases whereby the Sierra Leone Police deliberately and physically assaulted journalists while carrying out their professional duties. Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone Reporters Union has also condemned what it refers to a horrible and barbaric attack on its members. The Union recommends that those responsible for the barbaric attacks be dealt with. Women in the Media in Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) has also added its voice to the condemnation of the brutal police action against one its members, Halimatu Fofanah of Radio Mount Aureol and the Exclusive newspaper.

Last Updated ( Monday, 18 August 2008 )

 

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