WIMSAL Condemns Online Attacks Against Liberty Online TV Co-Owners
Aminata Koroma Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) has strongly condemned recent online attacks, harassment and smear campaigns targeting Mabel Kabba and Kadija Bangura, co-owners of Liberty Online TV.
In a press release, the organisation expressed deep concern over what it described as increasing online attacks against the two female journalists, warning that such actions threaten their safety, dignity and ability to carry out their professional responsibilities without intimidation.
WIMSAL said the attacks appeared to be aimed at discrediting the professional credibility of the journalists and undermining their independence and contribution to public discourse.
The organisation condemned individuals, bloggers and online platforms involved in what it described as harassment, personal attacks and deliberate attempts to tarnish the reputations of the two media practitioners.
It noted that Mabel Kabba and Kadija Bangura had demonstrated professionalism and commitment to journalism over the years, stressing that they deserved respect and should be allowed to perform their duties without fear of intimidation, threats or online abuse.
While acknowledging that journalists and media institutions are subject to public scrutiny and criticism, WIMSAL maintained that such engagement must remain respectful and responsible, adding that disagreements over journalistic work or editorial decisions should not be used as justification for personal attacks or attempts to silence women journalists.
The organisation further emphasised that attacks against women journalists constitute an attack on press freedom and the fundamental principles of an independent media.
WIMSAL called on relevant authorities, law enforcement agencies and media regulatory bodies to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety and protection of Kabba, Bangura and other journalists across the country.
It also urged social media users, bloggers and members of the public to exercise responsibility in their online engagements and refrain from using digital platforms to harass, intimidate or threaten media practitioners.
Reaffirming its solidarity with the two journalists, WIMSAL said it remained committed to advocating for a safe, inclusive and enabling media environment where women journalists can work freely and independently without fear.
The organisation stressed that women journalists must not be silenced, intimidated or pushed out of the media space, noting that their voices, work and safety matter.
