Sierra Leone: Major Boost for Press Freedom As Sierra Leone Scraps Criminal Libel Law After 55 Years

press release

The Parliament of Sierra Leone on July 23, 2020 unanimously approved the Independent Media Commission (IMC) Act 2020 and repealed the 1965 Public Order Act (POA) that criminalized libel and sedition in what has been hailed as a historic moment for the media in the country.

"I want all of us to consider this moment as a solemn one in our democratic dispensation," the Chair of the Legislative Committee, Hon. Hindolo Moiwo Gevao, said while presenting a report on the Bills to the House, adding "Today we have seen a repeal of a law that several Sierra Leoneans have labored under its axe."

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