Alpha Bah

Threats Against Journalists and Civil Advocates in Sierra Leone Must Stop The government, its policies and its actions are legitimate subjects of criticism. Threats against journalists and civil advocates must not be used to shield a government from legitimate scrutiny. They only weaken citizens' participation in politics and reinforce the notion of dictatorship. The death of Evangelist Samson the opposition blogger is a case in point. Members of the ruling government demonised him until he was summarily executed. We cannot allow members of the SLPP to endanger the lives of the staff of @LibertyTv, or of an astute journalist like Thomas Dixon (@thomasd05987132) and others, who are known for their nonpartisan record. These patriotic journalists did the same work under the previous government. To label them "regime change operatives" is an overt act of dishonesty and an attack on press freedom. No government in the world is immune from scrutiny. I therefore call on the international community, including @USEmbFreetown, @UKinSierraLeone and @EUinSierraLeone, to urge the government of President Bio (@julius_maadabio) to protect journalists. Current government officials are not helping the situation. Instead of condemning outright threats against journalists, they trivialise them, which emboldens their supporters to go after these patriots and make their lives unbearable. @MoiceComm @SLAJ_Salone @AlhajiManika @AYVnews @TruthmediaSL @LibertyOnlineTV @GleanerSierraLe @sierraeyesalone @freedomhouse @pressfreedom @AP #SaloneX

I agree with you, @julius_maadabio. WAEC is a bigger part of the problem, followed by some teachers, and thirdly, parents who help their children cheat in exams. #SaloneX