The Parliament of Sierra Leone has on Thursday July 23, 2020, amended the obnoxious Public Order Act of 1965 (Act No. 46 of 1965) by repealing Part V of that law which deals with criminal libel, and also enacted the bill titled: “Independent Media Commission (IMC) Act 2020”. The IMC Act 2020 will enhance the professionalization of journalism and make investments in media more attractive.
Part Five of the Public Order Act criminalises any publication that is deemed defamatory or seditious and has been used as a regime to unduly target and imprison media practitioners and silence dissident views.
Members of Parliament, during their respective contributions to the debate, applauded President Julius Maada Bio for keeping his campaign promise by repealing the criminal libel law which has strongly affected the development of the media industry in the country.
The Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Dr Abass Chernor Bundu described the amendment of Part V of the Public Order Act, 1965, “as a milestone for press freedom and a triumph for democracy and the rule of law in Sierra Leone”.
A former president of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and a Member of Parliament, Hon Ibrahim Ben Kargbo recognised the efforts of past presidents of SLAJ who had earlier championed the repeal process. He described the day as historic and a day for every Sierra Leonean to celebrate.
He said as an opposition party they are in total support of the repeal process, and praised President Bio and the Minister of information and Communication for a work well done.
Hon. Hindolo M. Gevao referred to criminal libel law as an old law that has strongly affected the development of the media industry. He praised President Bio for his commitment to repeal the criminal libel law as promised in his manifesto.
“The bold decision by the Bio led government to repeal this legislation is a very promising step that changes the media landscape in Sierra Leone,” Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rahman Swaray stated. “We hope that practicing journalists will opt for media professionalism, work with the Independent Media Commission (IMC) to enhance its regulatory powers, and give the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists the civic and moral responsibility to institute self-regulatory systems for their members.”
The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Nasralla said that this is big moment not only for journalists but also for the people of Sierra Leone. He said that, following the repeal of the Public Order Act and the introduction of the IMC Act 2020, there will be a more professional and responsible media. “Media houses will be encouraged to abide by their editorial guidelines/code of ethics,” he added. He paid tributes to President Bio for keeping his commitment, noting that journalism will justify the trust and confidence reposed in them by practicing more responsible and professional journalism.
By Alusine Ssesay
24/07/2020