The threats and intimidation directed at investigative journalist Alie Badara following his exposé on police misconduct in Bo, Southern Sierra Leone, are deeply concerning and an attack on press freedom and accountability.
On May 28, 2024, Badara received a threatening call from an individual identified as Morles, who used multiple unregistered SIM cards. The caller verbally abused Badara’s mother and threatened to burn down his house. These threats followed Badara’s report that accused the police of under-declaring drug seizures from traffickers during a crackdown on the illegal drug trade, including the synthetic drug KUSH.
Since the report’s publication, Badara has faced a series of threats and online harassment, especially after criticizing the police’s handling of drug seizures on social media. Despite the risks, the journalist has reported the threats to the Bo East Police.
We strongly condemn these acts of intimidation and call on the Sierra Leonean authorities to ensure the safety and protection of Alie Badara. Journalism plays a crucial role in democratic accountability, and threats against journalists must not be tolerated. We urge law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate these threats and hold those responsible accountable.
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