The Independent Media Commission (IMC) views with concern the wanton violence perpetrated by members of the Sierra Leone Police against journalists while performing their professional and constitutional duty on Wednesday 13th August 2008. The incident took place at the precincts of State House and the SLPP Headquarters at Wallace Johnson Street , Freetown respectively.

The IMC condemns this act of vandalism by the Security Forces whose primary duty is to protect the lives and property of the entire citizenry irrespective of political persuasion, religion, vocation or ethnicity.

The IMC calls on the Inspector General of Police to speedily investigate the matter and prosecute all those responsible for this uncivilized and undemocratic violation of the inalienable rights of media professionals in the execution of their lawful duty.

The IMC specifically condemns the unprovoked attack on a senior member of the Commission in the person of Commissioner Christo Johnson at State House grounds by some overzealous supporters of the ruling party.

It must be emphasized that Commissioner Christo Johnson was invited to State House together with the Chairperson of the IMC, Commissioner Bernadette Cole, to resolve a matter of national concern.

The IMC observes with dismay the annoying trend of police brutality on media practitioners which is at variance with democratic practice worldwide and therefore urges the Police to adhere to the concept of good policing and give practical effect to their motto: ‘A FORCE FOR GOOD’.

 Faithfully submitted