Freetown, May 7, 2025 — The Guild of Newspaper Editors Sierra Leone has issued a strong condemnation following a violent assault on journalist Prince Christopher Kamara, editor of Open Space newspaper, allegedly by staff members of the state broadcaster, Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC).
According to the Guild’s statement, the incident occurred on Tuesday, May 6, when Kamara visited the SLBC premises to investigate reports of an internal staff strike. While on the compound, he was reportedly identified by a group of SLBC employees as the author of a recent critical article and was subsequently attacked by more than a dozen individuals. He sustained head injuries and was forcibly ejected from the facility.
The Guild described the assault as a “gross violation of journalistic freedom” and a breach of Kamara’s constitutional and legal rights. “The Guild views the assault as a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression and the safety of journalists in Sierra Leone,” the statement read.
Thomas Josephus Dixon, Chairman of the Guild, emphasized the need for professionalism and tolerance within the media sector.
“The media that is always probing and giving opinions of others should be more tolerable when the beam light is turned on itself. Media gangsterism should not be encouraged. We are trained to use our pens and mic intelligently. Let us reject media gangsterism,” Dixon stated.
The Guild is calling for an immediate, independent investigation by SLBC leadership and for all individuals responsible for the assault to be held accountable. It also urged media institutions nationwide to uphold the rule of law, respect differing opinions, and commit to professional conduct.
The Guild expressed solidarity with Kamara and reiterated its commitment to defending the rights and safety of all journalists across Sierra Leone.
