Freetown, 3 May 2025 — On World Press Freedom Day, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) have jointly written to Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Hon. Alpha Sesay, appealing for access to the final version of the Counter Terrorism Act before it is sent to the Government Printer and subsequently presented to the President for assent.
In a formal letter dated 3rd May 2025, the two organizations welcomed the government’s willingness to engage media stakeholders during the legislative process and acknowledged earlier consultations held with the Attorney General’s office and parliamentary leaders regarding the bill.
The groups expressed concern that certain provisions in the draft legislation—particularly those defining terrorism-related offences could be overly broad or vague, potentially threatening press freedom and freedom of expression. They noted assurances from both the Attorney General’s office and parliamentary leadership that these concerns were considered and that the African Union Model Law on Counter Terrorism was being used as a reference point in redrafting the bill.
“In the spirit of mutual trust and transparency,” SLAJ and MRCG requested that the final version of the bill be made available for review before it proceeds further in the legislative process. The appeal references the experience with the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2021, where some contentious provisions were enacted despite earlier objections from media stakeholders.
The letter emphasizes the importance of balancing national security with civil liberties, especially given President Bio’s public stance as a “Champion of Press Freedom.” SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla and MRCG National Coordinator Dr. Francis Sowa jointly signed the appeal, underscoring the media’s continued commitment to democratic governance and responsible journalism.
The appeal comes amid global reflections on press freedom, with this year’s theme focusing on “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Press Freedom and the Media.”
SLAJ and MRCG say they are hopeful that their request will be favourably considered in the interest of transparency, accountability, and the strengthening of democratic norms in Sierra Leone.
