The threats and intimidation against Thomas Josephus Dixon, editor-in-chief of the Salone Times Newspaper and publisher of the New Age Newspaper, are deeply troubling and must be condemned.
A cryptic and threatening message—“Thomas, you have crossed the red line”—was reportedly sent to Dixon on December 28, 2024, by Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu. The threat followed a Facebook post in which Dixon criticized the police for allegedly denying bail to arrested citizens under “orders from above”—a term often used to justify decisions based on instructions from superior officers. Reports also suggest that the IGP accused Dixon of calling him “arrogant.”
Dixon has since gone into hiding after receiving intelligence-based advice from Ahmed Sahid Nasrala, President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ). Community members have also reported seeing an unidentified black vehicle with men inside near his home, raising further concerns for his safety.
We strongly condemn these threats and intimidation tactics against Dixon and urge the Sierra Leonean authorities to take immediate steps to ensure his safety and uphold press freedom. No journalist should face persecution for performing their duty to inform the public.
Please note:
This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin.
Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.
