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Remembering all murdered or injured members of the media and all others who so courageously defend the right of the media to report freely and independently.
Freetown, Sierra Leone, November 4, 2020 – (PR.com) – Every day, journalists and members of the media face harassment, intimidation, harm, torture, imprisonment, and even being killed for reporting the news and carrying information to the public exposing abuse and corruption.
On this day, Dr. Richard Konteh joins the leaders of the free world in remembering all killed or injured members of the media and all others who so bravely defend the right of the media to report freely and independent. Impunity for crimes against journalists is unacceptable and must stop.
When attacks on journalists go unpunished, it sends a very negative message that reporting the “shameful truth” or “unwanted opinions” will bring trouble to ordinary people. Furthermore, society loses confidence in its own judicial system, which is designed to protect everyone from attacks on their rights. Perpetrators of crimes against journalists are emboldened when they realize that they can attack their targets without having to face justice.
As the Secretary General of the UN, António Guterres, said, “when journalists are attacked, societies as a whole pay a price. Without the ability to protect journalists, our ability to stay informed and contribute to decision-making is seriously hampered. Without journalists capable of doing their jobs safely, we face the prospect of a world of confusion and misinformation. “
Supporting honest and transparent reporting is essential for a prosperous democratic society and for law and order. This includes investigating incidents of harassment or violence against journalists and ensuring that those responsible for ordering and committing attacks face justice.
On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Dr. Richard Konteh and the D-Unifier team remember reporters killed while doing their job, and call on the Sierra Leone government to support an immediate end. of all threats, intimidation and violence against journalists and other media professionals for their work. Sierra Leone is built on unity, freedom and justice. Unwavering support for press freedom is enshrined in this nation’s constitution, and Sierra Leoneans must constantly call on those seeking to undermine this essential component of a healthy society. The government of Sierra Leone must be firmly committed to defending media freedom at home and abroad, and not just lip service to this cause.
