SLAJ Demands End to Impunity for Attacks Against Journalists
On November 2, 2026, marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) issued a statement demanding swift investigation and prosecution of attacks against media workers.
SLAJ warned that unresolved violence fosters self-censorship and weakens democratic accountability, insisting perpetrators must be held accountable regardless of their status or influence.
While acknowledging past milestones—such as repealing criminal libel laws in 2020 and signing a security MoU—SLAJ is engaging authorities to review compliance, reform the Cyber Security Act of 2021, and embed media protections in the new Constitution.
SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara urged state institutions to deliver concrete actions rather than sympathy, stating, “Impunity intimidates journalists into silence and denies citizens necessary information.”
The organization also urged security forces to protect reporters during events, called for safeguards against online harassment targeting female journalists, and advised newsrooms to prioritize safety protocols.
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