Emmanuel Christian Thorli, proprietor and managing editor of the Night Watch newspaper, was reportedly arrested on Friday night in connection with a recent publication.
Sources close to the matter claim the arrest stems from an article published on February 21st titled “We cannot Wait For Bio to Continue in Power until 2028 – Sierra Leoneans.”
Neither the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) nor the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) are yet to comment on the matter as at press time.
Thorli isn’t new to controversy. He has faced previous arrests for his writings yet remains committed to tackling issues crucial to Sierra Leoneans.
His detention reignites concerns about freedom of speech, despite the abolishment of the criminal libel law.
Hmmmmm, How can you published such article!!! This is unprofessional journalism . You have the right to freedom of speech but there are limitations.
Legal luminaries will tell you the gravity of offence you have committed for such article.
Get yourself prepared to convince the jury .
There is no longer freedom of speech, naither democracy in Sierra Leone
Why arest,we want to know
I am not that is his personal views. I am sure he was commenting on the opinion of Sierra Leoneans
Freedom of speech/the press does not mean freedom to incite/threaten violence, or undermine state security.
I see people condemning the journalist, the truth of the matter is he publishing the majority voices of Sierra leoneans. The amount of suffering is over whelming! Arresting is not a solution, release him!