Freetown, 12th October 2026- The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has strongly condemned the alleged assault on a journalist in Makeni and called for the immediate return of two phones reportedly seized during the incident.
In a statement issued on October 12, SLAJ said it was deeply concerned about the alleged physical attack on Ishmail Stanley Bangura, Production Manager of Hope FM 93.3, while he was carrying out his professional duties.
According to the association, Bangura was allegedly assaulted on October 2 at about 2:30 p.m. at the All People’s Congress (APC) District Office on Field Road in Makeni by individuals believed to be party marshals associated with APC Bombali District Chairman, Emmanuel Alie Kargbo, popularly known as Alie General.
SLAJ said Bangura had gone to the APC office after receiving reports of a dispute between rival factions within the party. Upon arrival, he reportedly observed what appeared to be vandalism at the premises and began documenting the scene using a mobile phone belonging to Hope FM as part of his news-gathering responsibilities.
The association alleged that Bangura was confronted by a group of men who physically assaulted him despite his identifying himself as a journalist on duty. During the incident, two mobile phones, an iPhone 12 Pro Max and an iPhone XR, were allegedly taken from him. One of the devices belongs to Hope FM and was being used for newsroom operations, while the second was his personal phone.
SLAJ said both phones remain unrecovered.
Following the incident, Bangura was reportedly rescued and taken to the Rogbanch Police Division, where he lodged a formal complaint. Police subsequently issued a medical form and recorded his statement as part of the investigation.
While acknowledging the initial actions taken by the Sierra Leone Police, SLAJ expressed concern that a journalist was allegedly attacked while carrying out his lawful duties and that media equipment belonging to a licensed radio station was still being withheld.
The association warned that such incidents could have a chilling effect on journalists, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2028 elections.
“SLAJ urges the Sierra Leone Police to thoroughly, impartially and expeditiously investigate this matter, ensure the immediate recovery and return of the two phones, and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement said.
The association also called on the police to guarantee Bangura’s safety and protect him from any intimidation, threats or harassment connected to the complaint.
SLAJ further appealed to the leadership of the APC to publicly distance itself from the alleged attack and reaffirm its commitment to the safety of journalists.
“Political parties must understand that journalists are not enemies; they are partners in democracy,” the association stated.
According to SLAJ, APC Bombali District Chairman Emmanuel Alie Kargbo denied knowledge of the alleged attackers when contacted by the association’s Secretary-General, Edward Fara Marrah. However, he reportedly stated that he could not rule out the possibility that those involved were APC supporters.
SLAJ President, Alhaji Manika Kamara, said political parties and their supporters should recognize that press freedom and the safety of journalists are fundamental democratic principles.
“No journalist should be assaulted, threatened or obstructed for covering political events, regardless of faction or party,” Kamara said.
“An attack on one journalist is an attack on all journalists. The seizure of a media house’s equipment is an attack on press freedom.”
The association said it would continue monitoring the case and vowed to pursue accountability until the phones are returned and those responsible are brought to justice.
“The safety of journalists in Makeni and across Sierra Leone must be guaranteed,” the statement concluded.
