By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Guild of Newspaper Editors – Sierra Leone has on Wednesday May 7, 2025 strongly condemned the violent assault on Prince Christopher Kamara, Editor of Open Space Newspaper, allegedly carried out by several staff members of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

According to the Guild, Mr. Kamara had visited the SLBC premises to verify reports of an ongoing staff strike when he was recognized by employees as the author of a recent critical article.

He was reportedly attacked by over a dozen individuals, sustaining a head injury before being forcibly removed from the compound.In a statement released on Wednesday, May 7, the Guild described the incident as a “gross violation of journalistic freedom” and a direct breach of Mr. Kamara’s constitutional and legal rights.

It further warned that such acts of violence set a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression and journalist safety in the country.“The media that is always probing and giving opinions of others should be more tolerable when the beam light is turned on itself,” said Thomas Josephus Dixon, Chairman of the Guild.

“Media gangsterism should not be encouraged. We are trained to use our pens and mic intelligently. Let us reject media gangsterism.”The Guild called on SLBC leadership to conduct a swift, thorough, and impartial investigation into the incident and ensure that all perpetrators are held accountable.

Furthermore, the Guild urged all media institutions across the country to uphold the rule of law, professionalism, and tolerance, even in the face of criticism.

“We stand in solidarity with Mr. Kamara and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to defending the rights, dignity, and safety of all media professionals in Sierra Leone,” stated Ishmail Saidu Kanu, Esq., Secretary General of the Guild of Newspaper Editors (GoNE).

An investigation into the matter is awaited, as media and civil society groups demand justice and protection for press freedom.