Sierra Leone Telegraph: 29 May 2020:
She is out on bail at last. After spending over three weeks in police detention without charge, and only to be taken to court a few days ago to answer to a ten-counts charge – ranging from seditious libel against the president to perverting the course of justice, Dr Sylvia Olayinka Blyden has this afternoon been released on bail.
She was set free but university student and child rights activist – Hussain Muckson Sesay, who was arrested for allegedly publishing a photo of Dr Blyden being interrogated by CID officers – a charge he continues to deny, will be released tomorrow or Monday.
There was excitement in court yesterday, when it was reported that Lawyer Melron Nicol-Wilson, acting for both Blyden and Sesay had secured bail for the pair.
But this excitement quickly turned into disappointment for supporters, friends and families of Blyden and Sesay, when Magistrate Hannah Bonnie demanded stricter than usual bail terms and conditions, including the demand that each accused must have two sureties who are property owners in the Western Area of Sierra Leone – with each property valued at 500 million Leones (about $50,000); and for each surety to produce their passport, the conveyance document and valuation certificate of their property.
Both were sent back to prison yesterday, after failing to find suitable sureties at short notice.
But this afternoon, their fortunes changed and the prayers of supporters, families and friends were answered. They have both been granted bail. (Photo below: Dr Blyden and lawyer Melron celebrate Blyden’s long walk to freedom).
Speaking to the Sierra Leone Telegraph, Human Rights campaigner – Mr Messeh Leone said: “Authorities in Sierra Leone must now drop all the charges against Dr Blyden and Muckson. The charges against them stem directly from their work as journalists, activist and peaceful citizens. This activity should not be punishable and is part of their professional capacity.
“The Public Order Act No 46 of 1965 is outdated and not fit for purpose. Dictatorial government officials use the Public Order Act laws mainly against journalists and activists and the prospect of their use instils fear in the minds of people across the country. There is an urgent need to end the tyrannical criminal defamation laws, which unduly restrict freedom of expression. There are calls in Sierra Leone for the repeal of Part V of the 1965 Public Order Act dealing with libel laws. We want real victory for Unity, for Freedom, for Justice.”
Two days ago, Messeh Leone and his Legal Resources Centre (LRC) in partnership with the Pipul Pikin Campaign Network, organised a press briefing on the Sylvia Blyden and Muckson Sesay case, which was aired live on AYV television, Zoom, Facebook and other media platforms, with the editor and publisher of the Sierra Leone Telegraph – Mr Abdul Rashid Thomas demanding an end to the 1965 Public Order Act and calling on the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists to actively consult with local journalists to produce a Media Code of Conduct that will satisfy the requirements of parliamentarians who are looking to repeal the 1965 Act but faced with the delimma of “irresponsible journalists” taking advantage of the repealing of the Act.
More than 30 local and international journalists took part in Wednesday’s press conference.
Speaking on behalf of the Blyden family, Mrs Sylvia Jolliminah Blyden – the mother of Dr. Sylvia Blyden, spoke passionately about the life and career of her daughter and called on the government to respect her human rights.
During the press conference, Messeh Leone confirmed to the editor of the Sierra Leone Telegraph that, lawyers acting for Muckson Sesay are set to go to ECOWAS Court, demanding compensation of USD 500,000 for human rights violations by the Republic of Sierra Leone, and a call for his immediate release.
“In a letter seen by the Pipul Pikin Network, dated 26th May 2020 and copied to Hussain Muckson Seasy, prominent international human rights lawyer Melron Nicol-Wilson has notified the Attorney –General and Minister of Justice Dr Priscilla Schwartz, that he will be instituting proceedings at the ECOWAS Court, against the Republic of Sierra Leone on the instructions of Child Right Activist, Hussain Muckson Seasy, a student of FBC, presently incarcerated at the Correctional Centre in Freetown.
“The reliefs being sought included a (1) declaration that his arrest by the Sierra Leone Police is a violation of section 17 (1) and 20 (1) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, Act No 6 of 199, as amended, and article 6 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights of 1981; 2) a Declaration that his detention from the 3rd of May 2020 by the Sierra Leone Police and the Correctional Centre is unlawful and violation of his rights as guaranteed by articles 4,5, and 7 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights of 1981; 3) an order mandating the government of Sierra Leone and its agent to immediately release him from custody; and 4) payment of the sum of Five Thousands United States Dollars (USD 500,000) to him, being compensation for the violation of his right to human dignity, liberty, fair hearing, trauma, subjected to cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment while in detention, and for loss of earning and education”.
The press conference ended with a reminder of a campaign fund raising initiative that has been established in support of the work of Dr Sylvia Blyden, in campaigning for democracy, civil liberty and human rights in Sierra Leone.
Messeh Leone said: “Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden urgently needs your help to campaign for her freedom and the freedom of everyone in Sierra Leone. Please donate today. Please also share this appeal widely and encourage others to donate. Your contributions go solely to the campaign. The donations are fully audited by independent auditors, the Blyden Family, and the Campaign Team for #FreeDrBlyden, which is the only official group endorsed by Dr Sylvia Blyden. Monies raised will be used for the campaign that promotes Dr Blyden’s work, not for personal expenses or legal fees.
“We are deeply concerned about the continued incarceration of Dr Sylvia Blyden, since 1st May 2020, in Freetown high-security prison under harsh conditions amid her deteriorating state of health, after she was “kidnapped” and “dragged’’ out of her family home in Freetown by armed security forces. The arbitrary arrest and the subsequent detention of Dr Blyden were connected to trumped-up charges brought against her by the government after she called on Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio to respect democracy, human rights, and to take more appropriate measures to tackle COVID 19, in the public interest.
“The establishment of the Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), following 11 years of bitter civil conflict, was appropriate, necessary and highly significant for the healing of a traumatised nation. The report of the TRC highlighted the government corruption during the years leading up to the conflict, the desecration of the constitution, the perpetuation of injustice and the pillaging of the country’s wealth.
“The Commission called upon the Ministry of Justice, including judges and lawyers, to defend the rule of law (paragraph 176 of the TRC). The Commission’s findings challenge us, as a nation, to learn from the past and to reinforce the belief that the past cannot, and must not, be forgotten. This is the time for the country to come together to promote a prosperous and united Sierra Leone guided by unity, freedom and justice. Everyone is needed to come on board and have a voice in the governance of the country, regardless of tribal and political affiliations.
“We note that Dr Blyden’s case has suffered from her falling-out with several people connected to the Government who view her as a threat for her efforts in speaking out against human rights abuses. At this point, personal feelings about Dr Blyden’s case must be put to one side. The far-reaching implications of this case have hugely significant implications for the future of the journalistic trade and for activism in the country. The actions taken by the Police and security forces may relate specifically to one woman’s situation but, should they succeed, they would set a terrible precedent.
“Please donate online via PayPal:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=EBYAEKGGWZ638&source=url
“Africel Money phone (SL): 088-862-018; and Orange Money phone (SL): 076-198-726”
Tonight, Dr Blyden is free from detention where, according to family sources they were both refused proper medical care and subjected to serious mental abuse and deprivations.
Muckson’s release was delayed to tomorrow or Monday, due to administrative lapses.
“Lawyer Melron Nicol-Wilson Esq has just confirmed that , in less than 24 hours, Dr Sylvia Blyden and child right activist, Hussain Muckson Sesay have complied with all requirements for bail and approved by the Master and Registrar of the court. Dr Blyden is now on her way home safe and sound. Unfortunately, Muckson will only be out tomorrow or next week as the male prison had closed for the day before the process was completed,” Pipul Pikin Network commented.
Their trial continues.
See video of Dr Blyden and lawyer Melron after her release today:
Hey Fanday Turner, long time bro. Listen thanks for providing the link regarding the alleged assassination of Sitta Turay. I have quoted a couple of the main paragraphs below.
“ An MFWA correspondent said that two men stormed Sitta Turay’s office and accused him of using his newspaper to serve the interest of the opposition by writing articles defaming the image of President Koroma. Alimamy Turay, a presidential photographer, and another APC supporter known only as “Tunde” then stabbed Sitta Turay in the head. The editor was hospitalised and later discharged.”………….“ Minister of Information Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo has assured the editor that he will be protected and appealed to him to come out of hiding.”
Now clearly, based on this reporting, this incident was never state-sanctioned as misrepresented by Mr. Mansaray. Absolutely no police or state functionary were involved in the attack of Sitta Turay. The article specifically pointed the finger at two overzealous extremists, APC party supporters, who by all indications acted on their own volition. Contrary to silent observation of the Bio regime, when citizens are attacked by overzealous and extremist SLPP supporters as well as attack dog police officers, the then minister of information openly came out to sympathize with Mr. Turay’s ordeal, proving it was never condoned by the government.
One last thing Mr. Turner, could you please help Mr. Mansaray to prove me wrong again on the issue of Daddy Saj? I will personally like to see you participating more often rather than showing up once in a blue moon to prove me wrong Mr. Turner. If my memory serves me, last time your presence was felt in this glorious forum was over 6 months ago, when again you wanted to prove me wrong on a comment I made pertaining to one of Dr. Banya’s articles.
The number 40 is very symbolic – Throughout history, existence has used the number 40 to highlight extraordinary events,and moments of great trial,and tribulation;The great flood lasted for 40 days and nights,Moses spent 40 years of hardship in the desert before,he was chosen by Almighty God to lead the nation of Israel to the promise land,Our lord Jesus spent 40 days,and nights in the wilderness being mocked,and tempted by the the fallen angel,Satan;and it is said that Saul,David,and Solomon each separately,ruled their kingdoms for a contentious period of 40 years.Folks,make no mistakes,the number 40 always signifies an important period in our lives,and wherever it manifests itself in events connected to our lives,one needs too sit up,observe,and pay careful attention,as things keep on rapidly,or gradually unfolding.
That time is now!40 unarmed prisoners slaughtered like helpless chickens,and no one is asking questions?What the hell is going on?where are the families of these people?Please do not be afraid to come out,and speak up for your loved ones,otherwise tyranny,will become more emboldened,like fire crackers,that transform themselves to munitions,and hand grenades.
A season of trial is upon us!We need to hear from the families,and friends of those butchered by the criminal SLPP government in the Pademba road Prison riots,and please try to find photographs of these innocent people;lets put a human face on them,for they were our friends,and brothers.Amnesty International,and Human Rights Watch we need answers;we need to know how,and why our fellow citizens lost their lives.We need transparency,and accountability;and no matter how long it takes,we are going to get it – Better believe it!
Alusine Fallay, in respecting honorable ART, today is your lucky day, I will give you a pass. Because when it comes to issues of credibility and fabrication of historical and contemporary events back home, I think most of the participants know who is who. So let sleeping dogs lie sir.
Alaka Mansaray says “Her managing editor Mr Sita Turay was not that lucky. He was hunted and stabbed in the neck right in the city centre. He was left to die. His friends and family had to smuggle him out for treatment. Today he is in the USA.So why are you erroneously misrepresenting events and when you are called out, you want to go vulger?”
By all indications, the only individuals misrepresenting events or being deceptive here is you Mr. Mansaray. At the onset, your limitation on reading and comprehension led you to misconstrue the phrase ‘by and large’ to mean ‘never occurred’. I was expecting an answer to my earlier question regarding the phrase, however, you opted to make more deceptions or misrepresentation. Now regarding Sylvia Blyden publishing a caricature of EBK, not only was she never arrested, it is NEWS to me that her editor was almost assassinated at the center of the city. It is baffling for authorities to chose to assassinate an editor of a newspaper found wanting, rather than the habitual procedure of being arrested or charged for libel. Come on Mr. Mansaray, do you really think this forum is full of villagers that you can just cook up a bunch of stories and they believe? Where was the news report regarding this assassination attempt? I am a fervent reader of news emanating back home and I can categorically state that I never come across such a story or news reporting.
Throughout EBK first tenure, local artist including Daddy Saj operated in an open, non repressive environment, with artist like Emerson releasing series of songs targeting the EBK government, among them titled “yesterday better pas tiday”. Why is Emerson still in the nation? What critical song did Daddy Saj compose for him to have been chased out of town as purported by you Mr. Mansaray? You can choose to play deceptive games by making up incidents here and there throughout EBK’s 10 years tenure but the fact remains, with the exception of the period during Ebola when Tamba Mbayor and the college student you mentioned were arrested for expressing their freedom of speech. ‘By and large’ our citizens, including journalists enjoyed freedom compared to the current fear-mongering repressive PAOPA regime. Now if you want us to start listing names of citizens who had been arrested for simply expressing themselves during the 10yrs tenure of EBK in comparison to the past 2 years of Bio, be my guest bro.
I am surprised that the near assassination of Sita Turay is new news to you. I don’t want to jump into your debate with Mr Mansaray and Fallay. But since this was a well covered topic then, my intention is to clear the air for all participants in Sierra Leone fora ( new and old)
https://ifex.org/editor-in-chief-violently-attacked-by-ruling-party-members/
Is Mr Alusine Fallay trying to cross the red line? I hope Mr Alusine Fallay just concentrate on the issues and leave everyone else alone. Does it bother Mr Alusine Fallay when some forumites on this glorious platform exercise their rights to association? Let’s stay focused on the issues and stop this unnecessary grumbling and complaining Mr Alusine Fallay. Young4na is just fine with his responsible comments. God bless Mr Alusine Fallay and Young4na.
Calm down guys – lets focus on the issues rather than personalities. Thank you.
Mr. Young4na, You have always tried to play the role of the moral guarantor of this Forum, by fact-checking every forumite with exception to your APC supporters. But unfortunately, I have personally observed that anytime you are caught with your pants down or saying something untrue, you always overreact with condescending comments and attitude. Please – “IF YOU LIVE IN A GLASS HOUSE DON’T THROW STONES.”
I’m not really sure what triggered the BAIL RELEASE of Slyvia Blyden , but my wild guess will be – either the emotional appeal from her SWEET MOTHER or the spiritual appeal from IMAM Kandeh Yumkella of the NGC Party after the Eid Prayer. If the case is the latter, I hope that the NGC leader will use his influence in parliament to repeal or replace the law that President Bio and his cabinet have sent to parliament, but unfortunately is still gathering dust in shelves.
Dr. Kandeh Yumkella should also try to convince Sylvia Blyden to join his party, which I personally believe will be the most credible opposition party to replace the SLPP party probably after 20 years. The link below is the main reason why Sylvia Blyden must desist from being a propaganda machine for the APC, just to fulfill their wishes of making our country ungovernable https://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/dr-sylvia-blyden-warns-president-koroma-and-his-ruling-apc/
Physician know thyself – that is the only advice I would like to give to Dr Blyden at this moment. Lucky for you, lady, somehow, strangely you have managed to come out of this whole political fiasco unscathed thus far. What a blessing! Madam, seriously, know thine enemies, for they are not religious monks, but ruthless, merciless hunters with devious, sadistic, insatiable appetites that are only satisfied and appeased by ceaselessly preying on, stalking, seizing and slaughtering those who are unarmed, vulnerable and innocent.
40 Prisoners dead and a whole nation is traumatized by fear, being held hostage to anxieties, neurosis and abject poverty, yet our development and global partners are silent, like abandoned cars in a junkyard without an engine or a horn, not uttering a sound. Now it is Paolo Conteh and Mr Williams’ turn to be freed. Who is willing to help them carry those heavy, backbreaking crosses on their tender, fragile shoulders, as they plod their way to a bloody crucifixion prepared by this criminal, wicked SLPP government? Opposition? Media? Anyone?
Oh beloved, in chains and pains, our faces are stained with tears that fall like rain, but not in vain. Not in vain, for our veins run and run with courage that cannot be restrained. Surely we will see you guys alive, robust, free and thriving once again.
I think Ms. Sylvia will be quiet now for sometime. This is a vital advice; she was really loud and propagandist – enough is enough. We are all citizens of this country and we have to be very careful of what we do and what we say; do not challenge government and let government neither attempt to challenge the supreme God either. Bio’s administration is very serious and not messing around like some other past administrations. SLPP government is not going to rule forever. Likewise APC was there for 11 years but today they are out. Let me say this to you, I believe you might dislike it but it is a fact. Is APC ready to solve their problem? The life Chairman has to quit.
As for Dr. Sylvia again, she was looking for fame and attraction, but unfortunately this is not the right one. You are beautiful and intelligent but you have got to use wisdom.
Sorry Mr. Sesay, what is your understanding of democracy? Free speech only in support of the government’s direction?
The Extremism started from the party you are always supporting and defending, during the 26 years of APC tyrannical rule of this great country, from Siaka P. Steven to Joseph Saidu Momoh that came to power after a vote of no confidence. The APC party never worked to the interests of the people. By the way, who was supposed to replace (Bandelay) after he officially retired himself from power? Sorie Ibrahim Koroma(S.I. Koroma), C.A. Camara Taylor, the second vice president in Sierra Leone has that in history, but none of these two men were given the opportunity to taste the power instead, J.S. momoh was fortunate.
We thank God and the gallant soldiers that kicked out the one party dictatorship system in our country. Today, Sierra Leone is a multi party state with Democracy; may God bless NPRC. Talking ugly about the Sierra Leone police, the power mongers have forgotten their past. For how many times the artists and musicians running from APC regime heading to Nigeria fearing for their lives? The reason is because when they produce meaningful music, they got targeted by the APC regime. Is that not terrorizing your fellow citizens?
In one area it says” Dictatorial government officials used the public Act laws against the journalists” this writer is really sick. The other area also mentioned compensation the sum of $500.000 for Muckson – are these guys really normal? APC was the main MAFIA regime party, because after the assassination of the late former defence staff, nothing happened to date. That’s what they call a MAFIA regime. We are going to exposed all hidden properties purchased by the late MAFIA APC regime shortly. No matter how much hatred you have for Bio, he is your president. I am sorry and he will live as long as God wants him to live.
Alaka Mansaray says— “Ah Young4na, you started well but when you laced your write up with lies, some of us neutralists, are duty bound to take you to memory lane. In particular, I want to draw your attention to a female FBC student who was arrested and kept in police cell and subsequently at the Pademba Road Prison for a Whatapp message during the Koroma era. How then can you sheepishly say such things never occurred during president koroma’s reign?”
“ The APC of EBK despite all its shortcomings in regards to corruption and political intolerance, the citizens by and large were living in freedom with most current SLPP extremists taking to social media venting their dislike of the EBK regime without risking any jail time or arrest”
OK, Mr. Mansaray, I am sure you are accusing me of lying from the above statement. By all indications, you seem to be suffering from a deficiency of ‘reading and comprehension’, else you would not deduce that I make up a bunch of lies. Now, the key phrase in my statement is ‘BY and LARGE’. Do you really understand what ‘by and large’ means Alaka? I am really curious to know which dictionary or English teacher taught or defined ‘by and large’ to mean’ it never happened’ or ‘ never occurred”.
No patriotic, non partisan Sierra Leonean, will never claim that EBK government was perfect in the area of governance and civil liberties. Yes, in addition to the incident you just mentioned, other citizens in the likes of popular monologue radio David Tamba M’bayor, were also arrested during the latter days of EBK’s second term. However, compared to the current crop of SLPP PAOPA regime in the last 2 years, the EBK government allowed more freedom of speech through his first term and a good part of his second term, with journalists like Sylvia Bylden, sharply being critical of EBK and even publishing a caricature of the president with horns on his head – no arrest was made. To reiterate, there is blanket of fear overshadowing our nation the likes of nothing we have experienced for a long time. My advice to you Alaka is that, please learn to read and understand the English language, before exposing your reading and comprehension limitations.
Mr Young4na, I am not here to argue about your academic prowess. My response was to highlight the misinformation in your post. Misinformation is not an academic prowess. I am glad that you mentioned the caricature of president koroma during the Koroma’s first term in office. Sylvia Blyden was the publishing manager of her paper. She was hunted for weeks while she ran away for her life from thugs from State House. Her managing editor Mr Sita Turay was not that lucky. He was hunted and stabbed in the neck right in the city centre. He was left to die. His friends and family had to smuggle him out for treatment. Today he is in the USA.
So why are you erroneously misrepresenting events and when you are called out, you want to go vulger? Like I said in my first post, it is not about which regime is politically correct. It is about truth and human rights. It is unfortunate that the Draconian 1965 law is being used against Madam Blyden. When things were favourable for her she was one of those that stood her ground and influence, for that law not to be expunged from our laws. She fell out with the great Philip Neville because of that and she even caused Neville’s arrest because she disagreed with him over the repealing of that law.
Back to EBK’s first term, please ask the likes of Daddy Saj while he ran away from Sierra Leone. I am not highly educated and I do not want to be, if your ilk education is all about deception using ‘by and large’. Only the truth shall set us free.
This Public Order Act No 46 dating back to 1965 is outdated and not purposeful for the republic of Sierra Leone. There is an urgent need to revisit all the Acts and the constitution of the country to end all the repressive criminal disparagement laws, which disproportionately restricts freedom of expression that the law of the land demands.
We the citizens of Sierra Leone call for the revocation of all Parts of the 1965 Public Order Acts, which the president had long proposed void, dealing with all the libel laws. We want genuine victory for Unity, for Freedom of the people, for Justice to all citizens of Sierra Leone.
Radio silence? No new comment? I hope because of this good article, the Telegraph will not have problems with the government.
Based on some credible information I recently received from Sierra Leone, since the arrest of Sylvia Blyden, peace and sanity has returned especially regarding incitements through the social media ( WhatsApp). One thing that is obvious under this New Direction government whenever I watch or listen to news and discussions on AYVTV and Radio 98.1 FM, people are free to express their opinions and even within the electronic and print media people express their opinions freely. Since Retired Brigadier President Dr. Maada Bio entered politics, he has been called and labelled all types of names but he never responded to any of those negative comments but always chose to ignore them and act like a “MUMU.”.
However, fabricating stories and to help with the spreading of inciting messages in order to destabilize our nation should be unacceptable. I personally believe that Sylvia’s Newspaper has the same mission as the Cocorioko Newspaper whose primary mission is the propaganda machine of the APC party which is committed to making our country ungovernable since they lost the 2018 presidential election. I also believe that the just concluded commission of inquiry which has implicated most corrupt officials of the past APC government including Sylvia, is also responsible for her madness. Finally I hope and pray that she will be treated like any other citizen with regards to the law of our land because no one is above the law and may the Almighty continue to guide our Judiciary with wisdom and understanding.
Sure, but why all the killing of innocent lives and the deprivation of human rights and freedoms of peaceful Sierra Leoneans which have been tampered with. Dubious government parastatals in the realm of tribalism, ethnicity, religion and political reasons that led to the sacking of Sierra Leoneans from their jobs. Where do you think we are going to, while the system of living was far better before and than that of now.
Local Sierra Leoneans can identify it, because they are feeling the pinch in a country that is based on promises all the time from political leaders, promises that can never been completed all the time. So how are some of you people giving support to the current government. Maybe it is the support that some of you people get from the government that leads you to some of these comments. But Allah will save us the way Allah saved the Israelites against the Egyptian pharoah.
Ah Young4na, you started well but when you laced your write up with lies, some of us neutralists, are duty bound to take you to memory lane.
In particular, I want to draw your attention to a female FBC student who was arrested and kept in police cell and subsequently at the Pademba Road Prison for a Whatapp message during the Koroma era. How then can you sheepishly say such things never occurred during president koroma’s reign?
I am not saying that it is good for the Bio regime to arrest people for their social media posts, but saying that it has only started now in our land is a misinformation and thus my response.
Blyden is a politician and not a Right activist. Right activists do not see colour emblem, tribe or region. They see Justice, human rights and freedom. At another time or discussion, we will debate about whether or not Blyden meets this requirement.
A first step in the right direction.
Finally common sense has prevailed. In the age of Trump, journalists right across the world are under attack. Nowadays, your chances of survival by joining the army is greater than practising this noble profession we call Journalism. In 2019 alone, forty nine journalists were killed across the world. The famous amongst them was Jamal khashoggi, a Saudi national and a contributing editor for the Washington post. Majority of these journalists are reporting on local issues in their countries. The profession is known as the fourth estate. Theses people take great risk with their lives to report on things they feel is not going right in their countries.
In the absence of a strong legislative assembly, a weak judiciary, and a weak opposition, the only credible people left to hold a government to account are journalists. And right now Sierra Leone ticks all of the above. When it comes to the respect of the press, this government is just as bad like the previous ones before it. It is the same rule book. Good citizens are labelled as enemies of the state. The population knows better. Effectively, journalists take up the role as the true representative of the people. So many tin pot dictators see them as a threat to their power over the control of the people.
I applaud the release of Dr Sylvia Blyden and Mr Hussain M Sesay. They should never have been detained in the first place. Thanks, that someone has listened to the voice of reason, and brought this shameful chapter in the history of Sierra Leone to a close. There are more political prisoners being held; Palo conteh and others. We should not rest till everyone is out. It is not over until it is over.
Alas, the powers that be, with no respect for our constitution, civil liberties, and the rule of law, have finally decided to release innocent citizens after being kidnapped almost a month ago. By all indications, the barbaric actions being sanctioned by state operatives is nothing short of a MAFIA regime. Citizens all across the nation are petrified, scared to death to express themselves, or speak up against any injustices being perpetrated by state machinery. There is seemingly a cloud of fear blanketing our entire nation, the likes of which we have never experienced, even during our civil war.
Local admins of WhatsApp’s Forums residing in the nation are forced to post warning messages to all their members, prohibiting any political discussion or forwarding of messages critical to the government, fearing they the admins will be arrested. What exactly has our nation become in the twinkle of an eye? The APC of EBK despite all its short comings in regards to corruption and political intolerance, the citizens by and large were living in freedom with most current SLPP extremists taking to social media venting their dislike of the EBK regime without risking any jail time or arrest.
America, the greatest nation on earth is currently dealing with an upheaval, resulting to the seemingly unchecked police brutalities and injustices subjected to the people of color. A police station and several private businesses looted and burnt down with no end in sight. A lesson must be learnt by our seemingly MAFIA regime here. Humans all across the globe deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. You cannot continue to impose tyrannical polices, with glaring selective justices, and expect to maintain a peaceful nation.