Journalist's Indefinite Parliamentary Ban Raise Press Freedom Concerns

Journalist's Indefinite Parliamentary Ban Raise Press Freedom Concerns

The indefinite ban on parliamentary journalist Melvin Tejan Mansaray from accessing the precincts of Sierra Leone’s Parliament, nearly a year after its imposition, continues to raise profound concerns regarding press freedom and due process in the nation.

The ban, ordered by the Speaker of Parliament, Solomon Segehpoh Thomas, on January 10, 2025, followed allegations of "insulting conduct" without any presented evidence or opportunity for Mansaray to respond—a clear contravention of natural justice principles.

Media rights organizations and advocates have consistently criticized the action as arbitrary. Attempts by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists and the Parliamentary Press Gallery to seek an amicable resolution, including referral to the Independent Media Commission (IMC), were unsuccessful, as the Speaker declined to submit a formal complaint.

Instead, the matter was referred to Parliament’s Privileges and Ethics Committee, where Mansaray reportedly faced restrictive procedures, including the denial of legal representation and pressure to issue public apologies.

Despite the Ethics Committee producing a report, it was never debated, leaving the ban—and the matter—unresolved. This prolonged exclusion has severely impacted Mansaray’s professional life. Beyond the personal consequences, media watchdogs warn that the action has created a chilling effect on the parliamentary press corps, undermining critical reporting, transparency, and public accountability in Sierra Leone.

As the one-year anniversary approaches, the unresolved case stands as a significant test of the nation’s commitment to democratic governance and press freedom.