Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray, the Leader and Chairman of the Alliance Democratic Party (ADP), on Sunday 22nd July 2018, was invited by the Head of Crime Services at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to answer to allegations relating to the Publication of False News contrary to the Public Order Act (1965). It was alleged by the State that Mansaray made certain statements last Friday on both the African Young Voices Television and Radio Democracy relating to the passport of the former President Ernest Bai Koroma.
Prominent members of the All People’s Congress (APC) including the former Minister of Political Affairs, Nannette Thomas and former Chair of NATCOM, Momoh Conteh were present at the (CID) to show support for Mansaray.
The ADP Leader, Mansaray said his invitation clearly shows political interference. Mansary said during the last five years President Bio was one of those who commended him for being the voice of the people. He stated, now that he was being consistent with that, he has been invited to the CID. The ADP Leader said he was surprised.
“It is sad for our democracy; our democracy is under threat; our freedom of expression especially from the opposition is being muzzled. It is pathetic… You can really tell it is political intimidation. The more you try to muzzle me, the more I am not going to be silent… Nobody will silent Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray,” Mansaray said.
According to Mansaray, the police could not proceed with his statement as they had not completed gathering sufficient evidence. Mansaray was asked to leave the CID until evidence has been gathered.
According to Mohamed Sesay, a member of the APC public relations team, they were there in relation to the invitation of Mansaray in solidarity with him, and to condemn the actions of the police as well as the Sierra Leones People’s Party.
He said the SLPP members, who are intimidating people, should understand that this was not in line with the President’s vision. He added that they needed peace, national coherence, stability and development to take place.
Efforts to reach the Head of Media for the Police were unsuccessful. CID investigators would not comment on Mansaray’s issues.
EDB/23/7/18
By Edna Browne-Dauphine
Tuesday July 24, 2018.
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