Post a comment
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has submitted a position paper to Parliament, detailing its concerns that the proposed Counter-Terrorism Act, 2025, could severely undermine freedom of expression and press freedom.
SLAJ argues that the bill’s vague language could criminalize journalism, impose harsh penalties on reporting, and fail to distinguish between legitimate news and terrorist propaganda.
SLAJ is calling for amendments to ensure the bill does not target journalists, including a clearer definition of terrorism, exemptions for journalistic work, reduced penalties, judicial oversight, and a media oversight body.
SLAJ argues that the bill’s broad and vague provisions could be misused to criminalize legitimate journalistic work and unduly restrict public discourse. The association highlighted several key areas of concern:
Expanded Definition of Terrorism: SLAJ fears the bill’s definition of terrorism could be interpreted to encompass journalistic reporting on protests, security issues, and government actions.
Criminalization of Information Dissemination: The proposed law could impose severe penalties on journalists for reporting on sensitive topics, even if it is in the public interest.
Harsh Penalties for “Inducing Terrorism”: SLAJ is concerned about the introduction of lengthy prison sentences for acts that could be interpreted as “inducing terrorism,” such as investigative reporting or interviewing controversial figures.
Lack of Safeguards for Journalistic Work: The bill fails to adequately distinguish between journalistic work and genuine terrorist propaganda, increasing the risk of wrongful prosecution of journalists.
SLAJ’s position paper reminds Parliament and the Government of Sierra Leone of their obligations to uphold freedom of expression and press freedom, as guaranteed by Section 25 of the Sierra Leone Constitution and international treaties, including Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla warned that the bill could be used to suppress critical voices, similar to the Cyber Security and Crime Law, and urged Parliament to consider their concerns.
