Amnesty International Sierra Leone (AISL) has condemned part five of the 1965 Public Order Act No. 46, describing it as one that is un-progressive.
The said part which is being considered as one which criminalises free speech has over the year been faced with series of campaigns for it to be repealed, having the mass media in the country as lead campaigner.
Speaking on behalf of AI(SL) which is part of the campaign, the Executive Director, Solomon Sogbandi told Awoko on Monday 11th July that the law does not only affect journalist, but also affect every Sierra Leonean who have interest in what is happening, “those who seek information, who want to write articles and do research”.
Citing the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) he explained that those in public offices should be open to public criticism; “meaning if you are in a position of trust you are a public figure, you should be liable or open to criticism, the public criticise you as well as political opposition and where you are being criticized … that is part of the democratic dispensation”.
He went on to say that there should be space for citizens to air their views on issues affecting their very existence.
“By expunging part five does not give license to anybody including journalists to become reckless in the way they carry out their business” he affirmed adding “in other words we want to see responsible journalism, you have to cross check your facts”.
He has therefore called on the government to develop a civil defamatory law stating that where there is an issue of libel it should be a civil matter not a criminal matter.
He pointed out that since it is a criminal matter, the issue of bail has become very challenging. He said many journalists have been charged under the said law and have not easily accessed bail adding that this would not be the case if it were a civil matter.
As he re-echoed the president’s vow during his campaign for the 2007 presidential election, the Executive Director said that removing part five does not mean the government will be opening a flood gate for journalist or other individual to become libellous or defamatory in the way they carry out their business but it will ensure that citizens right to freedom of expression is guaranteed and enjoyed.
By Edna Smalle
Tuesday July 12, 2016
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