The monthly ‘Media Freedom Review’ is a publication of the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG). It is produced by monitoring and reporting on freedom of expression, press freedom, internet freedom, digital and online rights, and the safety and security of journalists in Sierra Leone.
In March 2026, MRCG monitored the arrest and detention of Alhaji Amadu Bah (alias LAJ). It also followed up on the arrest and detention of the Secretary General of the Main Opposition All People’s Congress (APC), the arrest and detention of Zinab Sheriff, the intimidation of journalist Lamarana Bah, the alleged threat to a journalist, the withdrawal of frequency by the National Telecommunications Authority from G8 Media Group, the alleged physical assault on two journalists, the verbal threat against a journalist, the murder of a journalist in Waterloo, and the barring of Melvin Tejan Mansaray from entering Sierra Leone’s Parliament.
On 24 March 2026, a popular musician, Alhaji Amadu Bah (LAJ), was charged in court in Bo, Southern Sierra Leone, with three counts, including: count 1, cyberbullying contrary to section 44(1)(b) of the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2021; count 2, cyberbullying contrary to section 44(2)(b) of the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2021; and count 3, insulting conduct contrary to section 3(2) of the Public Order Act of 1965. The accused was arrested on 30 March 2026 at the Freetown International Airport. His lawyer, Madieu Sesay, confirmed that his client had been arrested and detained at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Freetown before being transferred to Bo, where he is being tried.
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