PRESS RELEASE
CONSTANT ATTACKS ON SOCIAL MEDIA ADMINISTRATORS: SUPPRESSING FREE SPEECH IN SIERRA LEONE
1st April, 2024 For Immediate Release
The United for the Protection of Human Rights (UPHR) expresses deep concern over constant attacks on Social Media Administrators in Sierra Leone. As a human rights organization that was formed as a result of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in 2002, we are therefore concerned that such attacks are coming just after the alleged November 26 Coup. Attacks of such nature by state security apparatus and people who are believed to be supporters of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) have the propensity to destroy the peace and harmony we have all worked for since after the Civil Conflict.
As a human rights organization, we strongly condemn all forms of violence and intimidation from the state security apparatus and the people of Sierra Leone. We also want to draw the attention of the state authorities that Freedom of expression is a universal human right, a right fundamental to a democratic society which is why it is enshrined in chapter 3 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Freedom of expression is important for inclusive participation in society. It also allows citizens to seek out and circulate information, ideas, comments and opinions and hold those in authority to account. This right extends to the press, providing a platform for multiple voices to be heard.
The situation has led to some WhatsApp Administrators like Emmanuel Victor Wilson one of the Administrator sof the “ One Family “ Whatsapp Group, and John Sesay, of “ the Vocalist”, Aruna Marrah “ Wisdom Platform” which the security has linked directly to the alleged November 26th Coup to go on hiding leaving their families behind. We have also been reliably informed that the relatives and children of these people are also being subjected to constant physical and psychological abuse.
These attacks directly betray the principle of free speech, especially among young people who have been calling on the government to take action on issues concerning people’s economic and social rights.
Our call of action to stakeholders
- The Security apparatus must follow the key provisions in the Constitution and the Cyber Crime Act of 2022 to guarantee Sierra Leoneans’ rights in the digital space and promote trust.
- The Police to engage in a broader consultation to achieve an inclusive, democratic and rightsrespecting approach to content and platform regulations – This consultation must be had at a level playing field for all concerned stakeholders(Private sector, government, human rights organisations and digital rights organisations)
- Civil society and citizens must continue to hold government accountable and equally work together with the government for better outputs whilst keeping the peace
- The media must remain dogged to report violations and amplify the voices of citizens who daily use digital platforms to hold the government accountable.
- Finally, State Security should cease to intimidate the families of Whatsapp Admin, Emmanuel Victor Wilson, Aruna Marrah and John Sesay