By Mohamed T. Massaquoi
An investigation into the physical assault of two female journalists has found at least one member of the Sierra Leone Presidential Guards culpable. The panel recommends the dismissal of the perpetrators, only one of whom was identified. They were also to make a public apology.
The report of the investigation was presented on Thursday to the Minister of Information and Communication, Mohamed Rahman Swaray.
On 8th September, during an international match between Sierra Leone and Liberia, Esther Marie Samura and Francess Bernard were beaten by men said to be part of the presidential guards under the pretext of clearing the commentary booth for security reasons. The incident provoked widespread condemnation which later led to the institution of the inquiry.
The investigation which started on 16th September was done by a joint committee of journalist bodies and several other government institutions – the Information Ministry, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, Women in the Media, Sierra Leone Reporters’ Union, Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation, Center for Accountability and the Rule of Law, Joint Force Presidential team, Sports Writers Association and the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone.
Chairperson of the committee, Lawyer Doris Sonsiama, said: “The alleged perpetrator who was positively identified should be removed from the Presidential Guard and disciplinary actions should be taken. The perpetrator should do a public apology and the State should facilitate and finance further medical attention for the victims.”
The committee interviewed 18 people in total, including the alleged perpetrators, witnesses and victims. In total, the report made 13 recommendations.
The Minister of Information and Communication, Abdurrahman Swaray, commended the committee members for taking their time to compile such a "comprehensive" report.
“This can only signify one thing, His Excellency President Bio’s unassailable commitment to uphold the rights, freedoms and dignity of every Sierra Leonean. But more specifically, it goes to the heart of the subject of the matter,” said Swarray.
Swarray also assured journalists of his commitment to go through the document within the shortest possible time for actions to be taken.
Both journalists have since been responding positively to treatment. Bernard has resumed work, whiles Samura is on leave with her family.
© 2019 Politico Online
