Freetown, 21st May 2026 — The Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) has released its April 2026 Media Freedom Review, documenting a turbulent month for freedom of expression, press rights, and journalist safety in Sierra Leone.
The report covers incidents ranging from the assault of journalist Paul Kamara by police, to the detention of musician Alhaji Amadu Bah (LAJ), the trial of opposition APC Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya, the sentencing of celebrity Zainab Sheriff, and continuing restrictions on journalists including Melvin Tejan Mansaray and Umu Thoronka.
Assault on Journalist Paul Kamara- On April 4, media trainer and lawyer Paul Kamara was allegedly assaulted and pepper‑sprayed by Sierra Leone Police officers at Adonkia Police Station. The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) condemned the incident and demanded an impartial investigation. The Independent Police Complaints Board (IPCB) confirmed it had launched a preliminary probe.
Detention and Bail for LAJ- Musician LAJ and Ibrahim Koroma faced charges of cyber bullying and insulting conduct under the Cyber Security and Crime Act and Public Order Act. After multiple adjournments, Magistrate Samuel James Brima granted them bail on April 28, with hearings set to continue in May.
APC Secretary General’s Trial- Opposition figure Lansana Dumbuya appeared in court on charges of incitement and insulting language after allegedly calling President Julius Maada Bio a “thief” at a rally. His case saw repeated delays in April, with proceedings adjourned to May 28.
Celebrity Sentenced- Model and artist Zainab Sheriff was sentenced to four years and two months in prison for incitement and threatening language, following remarks at a January rally that allegedly encouraged violence.
Other Cases Include:
Tejan Sheikh Rogers, a university lecturer, remains before the High Court on cyberstalking charges.
Melvin Tejan Mansaray, a parliamentary journalist, continues to be barred from Parliament, with no resolution from the Privileges and Ethics Committee.
The murder trial of journalist Samuel Brima Mattia, killed in Waterloo in January 2025, was adjourned to May.
Umu Thoronka, unlawfully dismissed from SLBC in 2024, has yet to receive compensation despite an Independent Media Commission ruling. Advocacy groups including WIMSAL and RFK Human Rights have petitioned ECOWAS over her case.
There is no new development on the matter regarding the alleged intimidation of journalist Amadu Lamrana Bah, presenter of the ‘Truth Morning Devotion’ programme on Truth Radio, by Admire Bio on 14 October 2025, following public comments on the devastating impact of “Kush” on Sierra Leone’s youth, Kabbah Lavalie, an officer attached to the Cyber Unit at CID and in charge of the investigation, told MRCG that investigation matter was ongoing.
The MRCG emphasized that these cases reflect ongoing challenges for press freedom, digital rights, and journalist safety. The initiative, funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), seeks to strengthen democratic dialogue, accountability, and sustainable media in Sierra Leone.
