Peep Sierra Leone

In what many observers have said is expected, the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone, headed by the Chief Justice, on Tuesday 10th November, dented the hopes of journalists who were hanging on the hope that it will decide in their favour in the matter brought to it by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists which was seeking a review of Criminal and Seditious Libel Laws which makes libel a criminal offence, by ruling against them.

The five judges voted unanimously in their decision. But before pronouncing their ruling it was evidently clear that aside from the law they were bent on teaching journalists, who they see as sworn enemies, a deadly blow.

Summarizing on behalf of the judges, Hon. Justice Tolla Thompson described the profession as one which is a make up of blackmailers and tormentors who go about assassinating the characters of peaceful citizens.

After his barrage of attacks against journalists the court ruled that it does not have the province to decide on the matter.

“This matter could have been referred to the law makers, that are the Parliamentarians,” the Court ruled. “It is not in our province to either amend on repeal laws but that is left with Parliament”.

Although most journalists disagree with the ruling a few believe the ruling was the right thing.

However a lawyer who spoke in anonymity to this press said that right from the beginning SLAJ was in a no-win situation.

“Here is a bunch of people for whom the word ’journalist’ is a stench, sitting on their matter’, the lawyer said” no matter what, they who are both players and umpires do have a way of escape and they can tilt the law according to their whim.”

The Secretary General of SLAJ, Mr. Mustapha Sesay said that although he felt disappointed by the ruling, his association will continue the fight until the law is repealed as has happened in other civilized societies.

“This is a bad law not only for Journalists but even for the ordinary man who may just happen to fall foul of it” Mr. Sesay said to Peep! “It is not only draconian as it is but puts fear on those who would want to express their personal views”. The president of SLAJ, Mr. Umaru Fofana who was conspicuously absent during the court sitting was not available for his comment.