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A member of the Sierra Leone Arm Forces attacked a Liberia Journalist, Joseph Tumbey, a senior staff reporter of the New Democrat Newspaper also a publisher of the Afric Daily Newspaper online at the Liberia National Police Headquarters while on his reportorial duty leaving his mobile phone damaged.
Joseph Tumbey was attacked on Monday afternoon, August 7, 2023 while covering the case involving the former Sierra Leonean Police boss alleged involvement with the fail coup d’é·tat who is being held under the Liberia National Police custody.
Accordingly, the former Chief Superintendent of the Sierra Leonean Police, Mohammed Yaetey Turay sought refuge in Liberia after being dismissed few year back but was apprehended by the Liberia National Police over the weekend in Monrovia in response to a request from Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, who accused the ex-police officer involvement in a recently failed coup plot.
On Monday August 7, four Sierra Leonean Armies visited the Liberia National Police Headquarters boarding a vehicle, plate number 5CD10 white Toyota 4 runner allegedly negotiating the extradition of Turay to Sierra Leone to face justice.
During the process Journalists on ground found the situation difficult as the Sierra Leonean soldiers became too rough running after reporters who were following the story, grabbed and damaged Joseph’s Samsung galaxy S9 mobile phone.
However, the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has condemned the attack against Journalist Tumbey strongly deeming the incident as a grave violation of human rights.
Below s the PUL full statement issued on Tuesday August 8, 2023 In Monrovia:
The Press Union of Liberia strongly denounces the recent attack on journalist Joseph Tumbey by a Sierra Leonean soldier in Monrovia, deeming the incident as a grave violation of human rights.
In a widely circulated video clip on social media, journalist Tumbey can be seen enduring physical assault and witnessing damage to his phone, inflicted by a Sierra Leone soldier at the premises of the Liberia National Police headquarters.
In light of this distressing incident, the Press Union calls for the immediate establishment of a transparent public inquiry by the Liberia National Police. The primary objective of this inquiry is to uncover the truth behind the event, ensuring accountability for those involved. Furthermore, the Union demands swift action to guarantee the safety and security of journalist Joseph Tumbey and other media personnel assigned to cover the ongoing arrest proceedings of the former Sierra Leone Police chief, who stands accused of alleged involvement in a conspiracy within Sierra Leone’s borders.
The Press Union vehemently cautions against any form of coercion, threats, or harassment aimed at journalists in Liberia, particularly when perpetrated by foreign security agents. This concern holds particular significance given the backdrop of the nation’s forthcoming elections.
Simultaneously, the Press Union of Liberia has reached out to its counterpart, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SAJ), along with the Sierra Leone Armed Forces, to address the undemocratic behavior exhibited by their service personnel in Monrovia.
The Union remains committed to safeguarding the rights of journalists and maintaining the principles of press freedom. The Union will continue to monitor this situation closely and advocate for justice and respect for media professionals.
For media inquiries and more information, please contact:
Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
Acting Secretary General
Email Address: baysah84@gmail.com
Phone Numbers: +231-880784828/776909758
About the Press Union of Liberia: The Press Union of Liberia is a professional organization that represents journalists and media workers in Liberia. It aims to promote press freedom, protect the rights of journalists, and uphold ethical standards in the media industry.