By Mustapha Dumbuya
Renowned journalist Thomas Dixon has reportedly gone missing alongside his family after receiving threats from Sierra Leone’s Inspector-General of Police, William Fayia Sellu. Concerns are mounting over Dixon’s safety, particularly after he criticized the IGP on his Facebook page for allegedly rescinding a court bail and transferring a crime officer involved in the matter.
Dixon’s criticism reportedly prompted a tense phone conversation with the IGP, during which Dixon was advised to submit his concerns in writing. Since then, Dixon’s whereabouts remain unknown, and his family has expressed deep concern over his safety. Efforts to contact the IGP for clarification have been unsuccessful, intensifying fears for Dixon and his family.
Human rights lawyer Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah condemned the situation in a strongly worded statement on his social media accounts.
“If the unconfirmed reports are true that Thomas Dixon, a renowned journalist, is in hiding or is held incommunicado as a result of a critical post/story against the Inspector-General of Police, then this is like rolling back the hands of progress,” Marrah wrote.
He added: “It would appear that while the government is repealing criminal seditious libel laws with one hand, the police are using the other hand to repress journalists and intimidate them as they perform their duties as the fourth estate of government.
Journalists should not be on the run because of their work. Journalists should not be locked up for writing even the most critical pieces against holders of public office.”
Marrah emphasized that press freedom is not a privilege but a cornerstone of democracy. While citizens may wait for infrastructural improvements and economic growth, he asserted that freedom of expression and the media must not be delayed or suppressed.
Alfred Coker, a consultant editor for Vantage Newspaper, also denounced the attack on press freedom.
“Journalists should not be in hiding. They should be free to execute their duties in a democratic country,” he stated.
Coker pointed out that, despite the government of President Julius Maada Bio repealing the criminal libel law, journalists continue to face harassment and detention for simply doing their jobs.
The arrest and detention of journalists in Sierra Leone have become increasingly frequent and troubling. Members of the press are calling on authorities and international media organizations to intervene and ensure their safety.
The disappearance of Thomas Dixon is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists in Sierra Leone. The situation underscores the urgent need for the protection of press freedom and the enforcement of journalists’ rights in the country.
